If you hadn’t noticed, it’s election season! Here’s everything you need to know about where and how to vote in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. But first, a reminder that Green Foothills has endorsed Measure T (on most Santa Clara County ballots), and we oppose San Benito County’s Measure N.
ada, for the first days of Nevada’s early voting in October. “I was trained by and represented one of the political parties at the polling precincts, but the party didn’t matter – our job was to protect all voters’ right to vote and be counted,” Brian said. Observers could not electioneer or even talk with voters indoors, but they could and did make suggestions on issues that cropped up to the Polling Manager, and record any problems for potential follow-up. Brian in particular spotted a number of voters having trouble with the machines and got poll workers to assist them. Outside the polling centers, Observers like Brian could interact with – but not electioneer – voters. For example, they assisted elderly and disabled to the front of the line, escorted people to and from restrooms, and answered voter questions about the process. “It was a difficult process on the first two days with voters in long lines, so I’m really glad we were able to help things go a little better, and I was very impressed with everyone’s good humor and patience,” Brian added.You can vote by mail. You do NOT need a stamp for your ballot — the postage has been prepaid. Your ballot must be received by 8 pm on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within 17 days after Election Day. (Want to track your ballot? The State of California has created a handy tool: Where’s My Ballot)
To drop off your ballot or to vote in person, here’s the information for each county:
San Mateo County:
Ballots can be dropped off at any one of 39 “drop box” locations in San Mateo County. Check out the San Mateo County elections website for locations (scroll down to the header “Ballot Drop Box Locations”). For drop boxes located inside a building, click on the link for that location to see what hours the building is open. Drop boxes located outside are available any time, up until Election Day at 8 pm.
If you prefer to vote in person, you can go to a voting center. There are 3 voting centers that will be open now through Election Day, 9am-5pm (7am-8pm on Election Day): Redwood City Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, 555 County Center, Redwood City; San Mateo Registration & Elections Division, 40 Tower Road, San Mateo; and South San Francisco Main Library, 840 West Orange Avenue, South San Francisco.
In addition, starting October 31, a total of 45 voting centers will be open. There will also be 3 “pop-up” voting centers open on Monday November 2 and Tuesday November 3 in East Palo Alto, La Honda, and Pescadero. See the San Mateo County Elections website for the full list of voting center locations and hours. (Note that the voting center locations are not the same as the ballot drop box locations!)
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Check your voter registration status here.
Santa Clara County:
Ballots can be dropped off at the Registrar of Voters Office (for your convenience, there is a white 24-hour drop box in the parking lot), or at any of the 24-hour ballot drop-off locations listed on the County Registrar of Voters website. You can also use this form to find a ballot drop-off location near you. Ballot drop boxes accept ballots until 8pm on Election Day.
If you prefer to vote in person, you can go to a voting center. From October 5 through Election Day, you can vote in person at the Registrar of Voters Office from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Starting October 24, the Registrar of Voters Office will also be open for voting in person on weekends from 9am-5pm. Hours are 7am-8pm on Election Day.
Starting October 31, there will also be over 100 more vote centers throughout Santa Clara County. See the full list on the Registrar of Voters webpage (scroll down to the header “Vote Center Locations”), or use this form to find a vote center near you. Note that the website says “locations are subject to change,” so check the list before you head out to vote!
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Check your voter registration status here.
Thank you for voting!
Measures to Watch
Yes on Measure T (Santa Clara County)
Measure T, which will be on the ballot for most of Santa Clara County, will help continue to protect open space and wildlife habitat, ensure everyone has access to trails and nature preserves, and manage lands to reduce the risk of wildfires and floods. Measure T does not raise taxes — it merely renews the existing $24 parcel tax enacted by voters with 2014’s Measure Q.
Green Foothills has endorsed Measure T and we are working to make sure it passes. Please vote yes on Measure T!
No on Measure N (San Benito County)
San Benito County’s Measure N would approve the massive Strada Verde development project on 2700 acres of agricultural land near the Pajaro River, just over the border in San Benito County. Measure N would impact a critical wildlife corridor and the sacred landscape of Juristac, put thousands of people adjacent to a dangerous chemical storage facility, and exempt the Strada Verde project from environmental review.
Green Foothills opposes Measure N and we are working to help defeat it. If you’re in San Benito County, please vote no on Measure N!
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