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Today is last day to request mail-in ballot
By Mary E. Paulet
October 26, 2010 (San Diego) -- Voters often have questions as Election Day draws near. Need help finding your polling place or an early voting location? What if you didn't receive your mail-in ballot, or know a disabled voter who needs assistance? Find answers to these and other concerns below.
Q: When is Election Day?
A: Nov 2nd. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Q: Where do I vote and how do I find my assigned precinct?
A: Call the Registrar of Voters at (858) 565-5800, or check the back of your sample ballot for the address.
Q: I’m going to be out of town on Election Day. How can I vote?
A: Early voting is being offered at the Registrar of Voters office at 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I, San Diego 92123. Call for hours. (858) 565-5800
Q: If a voter is not yet registered can they still vote?
A: No, the deadline has already passed to register.
Q: Can a mail ballot be requested?
A: The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 26 by 5 p.m. You can request a mail-in ballot online: www.sdvote.com.
Q: How can my registration status be checked?
A: Click on this website for the Registrar of Voters: http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Evoter_query.asp
Q: What happens if I see a precinct closer to work, school, etc, can I vote there?
A: If at a precinct in the County of San Diego, yes--but with the understanding that certain local races my not be on the ballot and a vote for certain local offices at the precinct my not count. You will also be voted provisionally. That means that your ballot will be placed in a peach envelope. Staff at the Registrar’s office will then verify voter registration status before ballot is counted.
Q:What if the workers at the precinct can’t find me on the list of voters for that precinct?
A: You may request a provisional ballot (See above.)
Q: What if I requested a mail in ballot and didn’t receive it?
A: You may go to a polling place and vote provisionally (see above).
Q: Can a mail ballot be dropped off at a precinct?
A: Yes, as long as the precinct is in the same county as the mail ballot. If not it won’t be counted.
Q: Is ID required to vote?
A: No, in the vast majority of circumstances, it isn’t needed.
Q: Can someone assist a voter?
Yes, as long as they aren’t a union representative or your boss.
Q: Can I ask a precinct worker to help me vote?
A: Yes they are allowed to help do anything except to influence which candidate is chosen. In fact, they are required to assist voters who need assistance.
Q: What about voters who lack confidence about voting in English, are there other options?
A: Yes, there are ballots in Spanish, Vietnamese and Tagalog. Just ask the poll workers.
Q: How can the disabled vote?
A: There are many options. For the blind, there is a special voting computer that can be voted on. If a disabled voter doesn’t want to vote on an electronic voting machine, a poll worker can help fill in a paper ballot with the voter telling the worker which candidate to bubble in. Also it is possible to vote at one’s car if mobility is impaired.
Q: Who are the poll workers?
A: They are registered voters who volunteer to assist with the election. They receive training before hand.
Q: Is it legal to have campaign materials at the polls?
A: No, campaigning is not allowed within 100 feet of polling places. This includes signs, campaign buttons, literature, etc. If you observe violations, notify your poll worker or call the Registrar at (858)565-5800.
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