Vote Safe With Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot

Elections offices will begin sending vote-by-mail ballots, similar to the one pictured below, to California voters no later than August 16, 2021. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by September 14, 2021; ballots returned at a secure ballot drop box must be deposited by 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021.

Voting by mail is SAFE and EASY.

After marking your choices on your ballot, simply:

  • Seal it.
  • Secure your ballot inside the envelope from your county elections office.
  • Sign it.
  • Make sure the signature on your ballot envelope matches the one on your California driver license/state ID, or the one you provided when registering. Your county elections office will compare them to protect your vote.
  • Return it.
  • By mail—Make sure your ballot is postmarked by September 14, 2021. No stamp required!
  • OR
  • In person—Drop your ballot off at a secure drop box, polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021.
  • Track it.
  • You can sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov for alerts by text (SMS), e-mail, or voice call on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot.

      • Voting locations will be available in all counties before Election Day. Voting locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.

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