Ballots Mailed, Drop Boxes Open In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Ballots will begin hitting mailboxes in Santa Clara County this week, and drop boxes are open across the South Bay ahead of Election Day, Nov. 5.

Elections officials from all 10 Bay Area counties issued a joint news release Wednesday and shared a few reminders for participating in the election process.

"Bay Area voters have man choices when it comes to casting their vote," said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County's Registrar of Voters. "Bay Area elections officials have been preparing for this election for months now and are ready to ensure that Bay Area voters are given every opportunity to vote using their preferred method."

Ballots were mailed to registered voters this week, and residents can cast their ballot by mail, in a drop box, or in person at a vote center, polling location, or Elections Office. Ballots returned by mail can be tracked via the Secretary of State's website.

Ballot boxes opened across California on Tuesday, and voters have until promptly 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to drop them off. Ballots going out through the mail can arrive as late as Nov. 12 as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote, or need to change your address? You can find out here and make any changes you may need, as well. Californians need to register to vote by Oct. 21 to vote in the Nov. 5 election. You can also register in person on Election Day for a conditional ballot.

Some vote centers in San Mateo County will be open for early in-person voting beginning Oct. 26, while others will open Nov. 2. A full list of drop box locations and early voting options is available on the Secretary of State's website. On Election Day, vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While the competition with the most buzz is undoubtedly the race for the presidency between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump — there are plenty of local races and ballot measures to keep tabs on in the Bay Area. Check back with Patch for the latest coverage.