Sacramento
Mail in ballots are being delivered to mailboxes around the state as early voting begins in California.
Interest in the state’s June 7th presidential primary has reached a fever pitch and as a result this year’s primary turnout is expected to be high. Experts believe it will be higher than it was in 2012 but lower than the epic turnout experienced around the country in 2008.
Voter registration has exploded in the state since January 1st with young voters and more ethnically diverse registrants accounting for the lion’s share of the newly registered. Most of the newly registered have claimed Democratic Party affiliation.
In addition, the California Secretary of State reminds Californians that any registered voter may vote using a vote-by-mail ballot instead of going to the polls on Election Day. California law also allows any registered voter to become a permanent vote-by-mail voter. The last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by mail for the June 7 Presidential Primary Election is May 31, 2016; the last day to apply for a mail in ballot by mail for the November 8, 2016 General Election is November 1, 2016. Registered voters who would like to request a vote-by-mail ballot for one election or to become a permanent vote-by-mail voter can learn more by visiting sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail/.
Registered voters who want to cast ballots early can now do so at their local Registrar of Voters Office. In Riverside County the Registrar of Voters is located at 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, telephone number (951) 486-7200. The office is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The Registrar of Voters in San Bernardino County is located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, telephone number (909) 387-8300. The office is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.