Tips On California Mail-In Voting For The 2020 General Election During The Covid-19 Pandemic

September 8, 2020

The deadline to cast your vote in California is only 55 days away. Here is everything The Big Magazine knows about mail-in voting for the 2020 presidential election amid the widespread Covid-19 pandemic.

Tips On California Mail-In Voting For The 2020 General Election During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order making California a universal mail-in election state to help protect Californians’ right to vote amid the pandemic. This means mail-in ballots will automatically be sent to all Californians who hold the right to vote without having to request it. Normally, California voters would need to request a mail-in ballot. In-person voting options will also open, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State, announced that the county will begin mailing ballots to voters on Oct. 5. Voters may mail in their post marked ballot, or drop it off in person at a drop box, polling center, or designated voting center by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3rd- Election Day.

Photo of StreetsLA crews installing 77 official ballot drop off boxes in Los Angeles. This one was installed in front of the Baldwin Hills Library in Los Angeles - Photo by @StreetsLA

Ballots can arrive up to 17 days after election day to be counted as long as they are postmarked by November 3rd. Ballot drop-off sites will activate the same week as mail-in ballots are mailed out to voters.

It’s also important to note that despite President Trump’s suggestions to his supporters to vote twice (by mail and in-person) it is a federal crime to vote twice in the same election, and a felony in almost every state.

First Week Of October:

Mail-in Ballots are sent out for the General Election and Drop-Off Sites Open

October 19th

Voters Registration Deadline. If you are not already registered to vote click here.

Oct. 31st

In-Person polling places and voting center open.

Nov 3rd

ELECTION DAY 2020. Voters ballots must be turned in. Same-day voter registration.

Nov 20th

Last day mail-in ballots can arrive at county registrar's office.

Voters can track their ballot status by visiting: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov

California has already surpassed 21 million active registered voters for the first time in the state’s history.

Get out and vote!

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