Registrar of voters details safe, secure election process

Voting has started in the June 7 primary election and the Voter's Choice Act, which passed as state Senate Bill 450 in 2016, has been implemented in Marin County. That means voters will experience some changes from their typical voting routines.

As Marin registrar of voters, I would like to answer a few common questions.

Why did Marin implement the Voter's Choice Act? Marin became the 27th county to adopt the model in 2021 because it focuses on flexibility and convenience for voters.

First, a vote-by-mail ballot is automatically sent to all active registered voters starting 29 days before an election. Second, for voters needing or wanting in-person services, several multiday regional vote centers replace one-day polling places, and voters may go to any vote center. Third, secure official ballot drop boxes are open throughout the county.

Voting by mail continues to be a popular choice. You can sign up for a free ballot tracking service through the California secretary of state.

It sends messages to your phone or email tracking the status of your ballot every step of the way — from when it is mailed to receiving and processing. Sign up at WheresMyBallot. sos.ca.gov.

How do vote centers differ from polling places? Vote centers are open for more days and you can go to any location to vote in person; register to vote and vote a provisional ballot; update your address or party preference and vote a non-provisional ballot; receive a replacement vote-by-mail ballot; drop your vote-by-mail ballot in an official ballot drop box; or vote using an accessible ballot marking device.

How does the model impact you if you currently vote by mail? The benefits for vote-bymail voters include more drop box locations open earlier, as well as the opportunity to get a replacement ballot at any vote center if you lose, damage or never receive your ballot — a service previously offered only at the Marin County Elections Department.

Voting by mail is convenient and requires no return postage. Remember to track your ballot every step of the way.

What else is new for June? When you open your mail ballot packet, you will notice two ballot cards — Card A and Card B. We were unable to fit all the contests on one card front and back due to the number of candidates and races on the ballot. We will count the card you return if you forget to return both cards in your ballot envelope, but you will not be able to submit the second card later.

Are you ready to vote in the June 7 election?

• If you are eligible to register and missed the May 23 deadline, you may visit any vote center to complete a registration form and vote a provisional ballot, which will be processed after the registration form is verified following Election Day. Check your registration at MarinVotes.org, or call 415-473-6456.

• If voting in person, vote early to avoid lines on Election Day. Check your voter information guide or online for locations and days and hours of operation.

• If voting by mail, remember to return both ballot cards and sign and date your ballot envelope. Mail your voted ballot back as early as possible or use one of the official ballot drop boxes. Your ballot envelopes must be postmarked no later than June 7 or dropped at a vote center or ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The list of drop boxes and vote centers is printed in the voter information guide, and also posted online. You may allow someone you know and trust to return the ballot by completing the form on the back of the return envelope.

• Check the list of vote center and ballot drop box locations and hours of operation at MarinVotes.org.

• Sign up for free tracking services at WheresMyBallot.sos. ca.gov and stay connected to the status of your ballot.

• Consult your Marin County Voter Information Guide to learn more about this election and voting options.

And remember: Your Marin County Elections Department is your trusted source for nonpartisan election information. If you have questions visit MarinVotes.org or BayAreaVotes.org.

Marin became the 27th county to adopt the model in 2021 because it focuses on flexibility and convenience for voters.