Never before has parting with a mail-in ballot evoked such sweet sorrow.
With President Trump and others sounding the alarm about possible fraud and problems at the polls, everyone is anxious about what happens to our ballots once we drop them in the mail or into an official drop box.
Worry no more, California voters. The Bay Area News Group has produced this video that lets you tag along to see what happens to your ballot once it leaves your hands until your vote is finally recorded.
Join us now for “The Journey of a California Ballot.”
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the video on your mobile device.
What happens to our mail-in ballots after we cast our votes?
What happens if you forgot to sign the ballot envelope? Is it safe from hackers? What if the post office doesn’t get it to the elections office by Nov. 3?
We explain it all in a “Journey of a California Ballot,” along with the new deadlines and rules this year to help the system cope with the crush of mailed-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a deadline to pay attention to: Speaking of deadlines: Monday, Oct. 19, is the last day to register if you want to receive a ballot in the mail.
Click here for The Mercury News and East Bay Times editorial board’s endorsements for the Nov. 3, 2020 races and California ballot measures. See our latest 2020 Election coverage here.
California voters can sign up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to track the progress of their ballots as they make their way from the mail to the local registrar’s office and to when they are tallied.
Staff Writer Emily DeRuy just learned the ballot she dropped in a mailbox near her house on Oct. 10 took five days to arrive at the post office and is on its way “soon” to the registrar.
We’d love to hear about the journey of your ballot. Use the form below to share your story.
