Vote-by-Mail – F.A.Q.
- Fill in an on-line Vote-by-Mail Application. Online form
- Complete and mail the application that came with your sample ballot pamphlet.
- Write a letter requesting a Vote-by-Mail ballot with the required information.
- Come into the Elections office.
You may mail, fax or submit your request online anytime before the 29th day before the election. Actual mailing of Vote-by-Mail ballots cannot begin until the 29th day before an election. Completed applications must be received by mail, fax, online or in person on or before the 7th day prior to the election. Applications received after the 7th day before an election will not be processed unless you appear in person in the Elections Office.
A Vote-by-Mail ballot will automatically be sent to you for all future elections. This includes all local elections as well as statewide elections.
Once you become a Permanent Vote-by-Mail voter, you will retain that status as long as you vote in all statewide elections. Failure to vote in four consecutive statewide elections will cancel the permanent Vote-by-Mail Voter status, but not your voter registration. If the permanent Vote-by-Mail Voter status is canceled, you can re-apply for that status again.
If you move, you must re-register and apply for permanent status again.
If you have any questions regarding voting by Vote-by-Mail ballot, telephone (530) 225-5730.
- Mark your ballot using a dark blue or black ballpoint pen.
- Draw a single line to connect the head and tail of the arrow that points to your choice.
- Vote for no more than the authorized number of candidates.
- Be sure to complete both sides of the ballot and all voting cards if there are more than one.
- Any identifiable marks may void your ballot. Your ballot is no longer considered secret if there are such marks such as: initials, names or, signatures. The only exceptions are the votes for write-in candidates.
- Place your ballot cards(s) in the return envelope provided.
- Sign on the return envelope.
- Your ballot will not be counted if there is no signature on the return envelope.
- You will receive voting and ballot return instructions with your ballot. You can also see them online on our website.
Vote-by-Mail ballots cannot be forwarded. If you no longer live at your registered address, your ballot will be returned as undeliverable. If you have questions about voting by mail or about your voter registration, please call our office at (530) 225-5730. You can also check your voter registration online.
On Election Day, you may return your ballot to the Elections Department or any polling site in Shasta County between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
You may come into the Elections Department to sign the form and get another ballot.
You may also go to your regular polling site and vote a provisional ballot on Election Day.
If you state on your application that the mail is slow or difficult in the country that you are in and you need to receive the Vote-by-Mail ballot earlier than 29 days before an election, you may receive a special Vote-by-Mail ballot that can be sent out as early as 60 days prior to an election.
If you are going to be out of the country for any length of time, you should register to vote on the FVAP website (Federal Voting Assistance Program).
If you are unable to surrender your Vote-by-Mail ballot, you may still cast a provisional ballot at your polling site which will be counted after it can be determined that you have not also voted a Vote-by-Mail ballot.
Vote-by-Mail ballots are the first reported in the election night returns. These, however, are not a complete total and reflect only those Vote-by-Mail ballots returned prior to Election Day. Those ballots received prior to Election Day can be “processed” (opened and prepared for counting) as early as 11 days prior to the election.
A substantial number of Vote-by-Mail ballots are returned at the polls on Election Day (these ballots must also have their signatures verified). These ballots are likely to be reported in the vote totals later during the post election process.
You will receive voter information for all local candidates and measures with your ballot. In a statewide election, your household will also receive a State Pamphlet with information about State propositions and candidates. You may also visit our website for links to information about candidates and measures and the CA Secretary of State website at www.sos.ca.gov/elections.