With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Santa Barbara County Elections Office encourages voters to complete and return their Vote-by-Mail ballots as soon as possible.
Official ballot drop boxes are available throughout the county, providing a convenient way to return ballots without relying on mail delivery.
All registered voters in California were mailed an official Vote-by-Mail ballot in early October. Voters who have not yet returned their ballot are encouraged to do so today.
Before returning your ballot, the county advises the following:
• Complete your ballot by marking your selections.
• Seal your ballot inside the provided return envelope.
• Sign the return envelope. Your signature is required and will be compared with the signature on file with your voter registration record to verify your ballot.
Once your ballot is ready, there are several options for returning it:
• Use an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes are located throughout the county and are available 24 hours a day, and until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Using a drop box eliminates concerns about postal delivery timing or obtaining a timely postmark. Find locations at SBCVote.com.
• Return your ballot by mail. No postage is required. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3. It is recommended to mail your ballot at least seven days before election day.
• Return your ballot in person. Voters may deliver their completed ballots to either County Elections Office or to a polling place on Election Day.
What happens to your ballot after it is returned?
Watch a behind-the-scenes video to follow the journey of a ballot as Elections staff receive it, verify the voter’s signature and prepare it for counting.
The video offers a closer look at the procedures and safeguards used to process ballots and help ensure every eligible vote is handled securely.
Voters may also vote in person at a polling place on Election Day. Polling places and both County Elections Offices will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
County Elections Offices are at:
• Santa Barbara Elections Main Office: 4440-A Calle Real, Santa Barbara. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Santa Maria Elections Branch Office: 511 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 134, Santa Maria. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Both offices will also be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Visit SBCVote.com to find ballot drop boxes, locate polling places, and access additional election information. Voters can also call the Santa Barbara County Elections Office, 800-722-8683.