Body of News Release
Marin County, CA -- The Marin County Elections Department is closely monitoring legal challenges to a recently published United States Postal Service (USPS) rule affecting the delivery of mail ballots.
Recent court action has temporarily blocked USPS from implementing the rule. As of September 2, USPS is prohibited from implementing the rule for 14 days while the legal proceedings continue.
The new rule from the USPS imposes processes for design and approval of mail ballot envelopes and requires elections officials to provide the USPS with a list of voters eligible to receive a mail ballot. If implemented, failure of elections officials to meet the rule criteria would result in the USPS not delivering ballots.
For now, the Elections’ preparations for the November 3 General Election are proceeding as planned.
“We have not been given notice from the USPS about any action related to this new rule, and voters should expect to get their ballots starting in early October,” Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona said. “We have been assured by state officials that there are no changes at this time concerning mail ballot delivery and that we will be informed if any additional steps need to be taken to get voters their ballots.”
Marin voters should take steps to prepare for this election the same as they would for any other election:
- Check your voter registration. Voters who have recently moved 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 at RegisterToVote.ca.gov or by submitting a paper registration form, available at Marin County libraries and the Elections office.
- Make a plan to vote early. Voters who plan to return their ballot by mail are encouraged to vote as early as possible. Waiting to mail your ballot may result in it not arriving in time. Vote early to ensure that your vote is included in Election Night results. Using an official ballot drop box will get your ballot to the office even quicker.
- Know your rights. Did you know that California has a Voter Bill of Rights? As elections officials, we follow the law, including laws articulating your right to vote. Empower yourself by knowing about what rights we are committed to protecting.
Mark important dates on your calendar. Key dates for the November 3 General Election include:
- October 5: Ballots are mailed and in person voting opens at the Marin County Civic Center
- October 6: Ballot drop boxes open countywide
- October 24: Vote centers open on staggered schedules
- November 3: Election Day – polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM
“In every election, the biggest risks we face when confronted with last-minute rule changes are voter confusion and disenfranchisement,” Adona said. “As voters and as members of our community, the Marin County Elections Department staff cares very deeply about calming the chaos and eliminating the things that distract you from exercising your right to vote. We are committed to providing you with up to date, nonpartisan information that you can trust.”
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) with any questions or requests for additional information.