Voters registered No Party Preference can request a party ballot

By E-135 (the 135th day prior to Election Day, Oct. 20, 2019), the major political parties had to notify the Secretary of State of their intentions to allow NPP (No Party Preference, Decline to State, Non-Partisan) voters to request their political party’s ballot in the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election.

On Oct. 21, 2019, the County’s Elections Office was notified that the American Independent Party, the Democratic Party, and the Libertarian Party had notified the Secretary of State that they would allow NPP voters the option to “crossover” to vote a political ballot.

In early December, the Elections Office issued a press release and mailed postcards to each NPP Vote By Mail voter in Mendocino County asking them if they would like to choose a preference for a qualified political party. Voters had the option to choose between an American Independent ballot, a Democratic ballot or a Libertarian ballot or stay with the NPP ballot.

Voters were asked to, if they chose an option, return the postcard with their preference by Dec. 27. The Election’s Office will accept changes until Election Day (or until the last possible date to mail a ballot. Voters who vote at a polling place will have the choice of these ballots at their polling place on Election Day.

If NPP voters did not receive a postcard, or did not return their postcard yet, they are encouraged to call the office and request a crossover party ballot. They will be asked to verify information related to their voter registration and the office will be glad to get them the ballot of their choice.

By choosing one of these party options, the voter’s party affiliation (NPP) will not change, this is an option for this election only. If the voter wants to permanently change their party affiliation choice, they will need to re-register.

If a NPP voter wishes to vote a Republican Party ballot, a Green Party ballot or a Peace and Freedom ballot, they will need to re-register. The deadline to register is Feb. 18. Contact the Registrar of Voters office at 707234-6819.