The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election is here, but if you have not had the chance to register, there are still some ways you can make sure your vote gets counted.
Monday, October 19th is the last day to register to vote in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong says that making sure you are registered now can save you time down the road.
As of Monday, October 19th, 18,400 San Luis Obispo County residents are registered to vote, with over 60,000 ballots returned ahead of the election.
First time voter, Ariana Fingerson, says that after moving home she chose to re-register to vote online. She commented on the registration process saying, "I found it right away."
The California Secretary of State's office has a system that allows voters to track their ballot. Text or email alerts show when the ballot has been mailed, again when it is received, and then accepted.
San Luis Obispo County resident, David, says he was pleased with the process. He says, he "really appreciates the fact that they make it so easy for us to exercise our rights."
If you missed Monday's voter registration deadline, conditional voter registration is still an option, but it has to be done in person at the County Clerk-Recorder's offices.
There is also the option to register the day of the election, but County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong says this can extend wait times, so the recommendation is to register online by tonight. Ballot drop-off locations for San Luis Obispo County can also be found here.
According to the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's website, there are 30 secure Ballot Drop Boxes throughout the County. Drop boxes will be available 24 hours a day from October 5 – 8:00 pm on November 3.
For a list of Santa Barbara County ballot drop-off locations, you can visit their website.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Monday, Oct. 19: Voter Registration Deadline
Saturday, Oct. 31: In-Person Voting Begins
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Absentee/Mail-In Postmark by Date
Friday, Nov. 20: Absentee/Mail-In Delivered by Date
You can register to vote online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/.
