(Stockton, CA ) – Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. In San Joaquin County (SJC), there are multiple ways for voters to safely cast their ballots between now and 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. However, due to COVID-19, changes have been made to the way the 2020 General Election will be carried out.

Below are “Tips for Local Voters” that will help San Joaquin residents navigate the voting process, ease wait times and avoid any last-minute confusion.

1. There is Still Time to Cast Your Ballot. Voters are encouraged to vote as soon as they have made their decisions about the candidates and measures. They should carefully review their ballot, mark their choices, sign and seal the envelope, and return the ballot immediately.
   
   Vote-by-Mail ballots can be returned in the following ways:
   • By USPS mail (free postage). Ballots postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov.3 and received by Friday, Nov. 20 will be counted.
   • At one of 28 Official Ballot Drop Boxes from now until Tuesday, Nov. 3 by 8 p.m. Drop Box locations can be found at: https://www.sjgov.org/department/rov/voting/vote-by-mail_ballot_drop_boxes.
   • In person at one of 34 designated Voter Service Centers between Saturday, Oct. 31 and Monday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voter Service Center locations can be found at: www.sjgov.org/department/rov/voting/voter_service_centers.
   • At the Registrar of Voters office (44 N. San Joaquin Street, Room 350) on Friday, Oct. 30 and Monday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

   In-person ballots can be returned in the following ways:

   • At one of 34 designated Voter Service Centers during the hours and locations listed above.
   • At the ROV office during the hours and locations listed above.
   • At the County Fairgrounds that will offer contactless drive-through voting (voter stays in vehicle). Voters who have particular concerns about group settings may make an appointment to vote at the Fairgrounds in an isolated area with a cohort by calling 209-468- VOTE (8683).
   NOTE: Strict Public Health COVID-19 protocols will be followed for all in-person voting with masks, gloves, social distancing and sanitation guidelines in place. No voters will be turned away for not wearing a mask; however, disposable masks will be provided.
2. Read Your Sample Ballot and Official Voter Information Guide before Going to the Polls. This year’s ballot is lengthy with many candidates seeking local, State and Federal offices, 12 statewide propositions, and a host of local measures. San Joaquin County encourages voters to make informed decisions by taking the time to thoroughly review all the materials and pros and cons of each of the competing sides and candidate backgrounds prior to voting. By waiting to read the materials and deciding at the polling place, voters run the risk of making rushed choices and experiencing longer wait times.
   • The SJC Sample Ballot was mailed to every County voter and is available in English and Spanish. You can view the Sample Ballot at: https://www.sjgov.org/department/rov/voting/voter-guide.
   • The Voter Information Guide was mailed to every voting household in California and is available in ten languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Khmer, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. You can view the local Voter Information Guide online at: http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/. Interpreters are also available.

3. Mark Your Sample Ballot with Your Choices First. San Joaquin County officials have found a significant increase in voting time required for individuals not familiar with the ballot, which could cause unnecessary delays at the precincts particularly during peak times.

4. Give Yourself Enough Time to Vote. No matter which way you decide to drop off your ballot or vote in-person, expect long lines throughout the day. Know that any voter in line before 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballots. But those who arrive after 8 p.m. will have missed their opportunity to vote.

5. If you didn’t receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot or need a replacement ballot, you (or someone you authorize in writing) can pick up the ballot at the ROV Office (44 N. San Joaquin St. Room 350) or at any open Voter Service Center.

6. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, there’s still time. You can register to vote (or make changes to your registration information) up until the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Just go to any Voter Service Center or the ROV Office.

7. The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters (ROV) Office is here to Help. If you didn’t receive your mail ballot or sample ballot or need a replacement ballot, the ROV Office is where you can find answers to most voting questions. Visit www.sjcrov.org to learn more or call (209) 468-VOTE.
   
   Voters can check the status of their registration, their mailing address and the status of their returned Vote-by-Mail ballot at www.VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov.
   
   Election results will be posted on San Joaquin County’s website. Visit www.sjcrov.org for unofficial election night results.

Visit the SJC Registrar of Voters website for your 2020 General Election questions at:

www.sjcrov.org