News Release —
County of Marin Begins Early Voting

Marin County, CA – On your marks, get set, vote!

Voting for the November 3 General Election opened in Marin County with ballots mailed to registered voters on Monday, October 5. Official ballot drop boxes are now available.

A total of 21 vote centers will open on a staggered schedule leading up to Election Day. Locations and hours for vote centers and drop boxes are available on the Elections website.

“A healthy democracy requires constant maintenance,” County of Marin Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona said. “We have one of the highest voter turnouts not just in the Bay Area but in the state. Our residents continually show up and exercise their right to vote and keep our democracy healthy and vibrant.”

The County of Marin ballot features 20 local measures, 14 state propositions, 11 state offices, one federal office, 13 judicial seats, and various local school and special district seats.

With a full ballot and high voter participation, including the highest turnout in the state’s June 2 primary elections, the County is preparing for this election season by hiring and training temporary staff to meet the demand.

County officials encourage voters to cast their ballots early to ensure their vote is counted and to help expedite election results. Voters who wish to see their selections reflected in the first results on Election Night are urged to return their ballots by Tuesday, October 27. Voters who mail their ballots in the last week are advised to go inside the post office to request a hand-stamped postmark. The fastest and most direct way to return a ballot is to use one of the 19 official ballot drop boxes or 21 vote centers.

Adona offered tips to Marin voters as they prepare for the election:

• Check your voter registration. Voters who have recently moved or visited a DMV should make sure their registration reflects their current address. A National Change of Address form submitted through USPS is not immediately provided to the Elections Department and may take several weeks for the Elections staff to be notified. Voters can update their registration more quickly on the California Secretary of State’s website or by submitting a paper registration form, available at Marin County libraries, post offices, and the Elections department in Suite 121 of the Marin County Civic Center.
• Make a plan to vote early. Read the state and county voter information guides, and sign up for the state’s Where’s My Ballot feature, which sends a message when the Elections Department receives your ballot. Voters who plan to return their ballot by mail are encouraged to vote as early as possible. Waiting to mail a ballot may result in it not arriving in time. Vote early to ensure that votes are included in Election Night results. Using an official ballot drop box will get the ballot to elections officials even quicker.
• Know your rights. Did you know that California has a Voter Bill of Rights? Elections officials follow the law, including laws articulating your right to vote. Empower yourself by knowing about what rights we are committed to protecting.

Key election dates include: 

• September 28: State and County began mailing Voter Information Guides
• October 4: Ballot drop boxes opened countywide
• October 5: Ballots mailed and in-person voting opens at the Marin County Civic Center
• October 19: State deadline to register to vote or update registration and receive a ballot in the mail
• October 24: Four-day vote centers open
• October 27: Recommended date to mail in a ballot to avoid delays
• November 3: Election Day – polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM

Voters with questions or requests for additional information may contact the Elections Department in Suite 121 of the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.