With the November election less than a month away, 18,000 vote-by-mail ballots should be arriving in local mailboxes over the next few days, as will San Benito County sample ballots, which were delivered to the San Jose post office on Oct. 6. The last day to register to vote or re-register if a person has moved, is Oct. 20, and requests for absentee ballots can be made until Oct. 28.
Angela Curro, San Benito County’s assistant county clerk-recorder-registrar said that the initial mailing of the state ballot pamphlet will also be received over next few days and that her office can provide copies upon request.
The county sample ballot was expected to arrive at the Hollister Post Office on Tuesday and should take four to seven days to get delivered.
Curro told the county board of supervisors Tuesday that an approximate 30 percent increase in the number of contests and candidates has made for a larger ballot, which will cost 70 cents to return by mail except for precincts where there is no polling place. There have also been changes to some polling places, and letters have been sent notifying those affected.
“We’re telling everyone please make note on the back of your ballot about your polling place,” she said, noting that signs will be placed at polling places that are affected by the changes.
Early voting started Oct. 6 and San Benito County residents can vote in the county elections office on Fifth and Monterey streets from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend voting will be available on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On election night, ballot counting will take place downstairs in the old courthouse, which will allow for more ballot reader machines and election observers. People who are interested in being poll workers on election day should call 636-4016.
Click here to visit the San Benito County Registrar of Voters website.