Sacramento County, CA

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 17:36

General Election Key Dates and Important Reminders

​​​The Nov. 5 General Election is just days away and more than 260,000 Sacramento County voters have already returned their ballots or voted using one of our Vote Centers, representing 29 percent of registered voters in the county.

Last weekend, 18 Vote Centers opened and more than 3,800 voters have cast a ballot in-person. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the remaining 70 Vote Centers open, giving voters 88 different locations to cast their ballot in person, register to vote, drop off a voted ballot or receive special assistance while they vote.

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Remember, if you are not voting in-person, ballots must either be dropped off in a Drop Box by 8 p.m. Nov. 5, or postmarked Nov. 5 through the U.S. Postal Services to be counted.

Tips for Voting At A Vote Center

Be kind and courteous to our election workers! We have roughly 1,000 employees working diligently to staff the 88 Vote Centers throughout the County. These people are your friends, neighbors and fellow community members. Please be kind to them and treat them with respect.

Electioneering, voter intimidation or any other disruptions at the Vote Centers will not be tolerated. Anyone that creates a disruption or breaks Election code on electioneering at a Vote Center will immediately be asked to leave the property. Electioneering isn't just talking to voters about candidates, propositions and measures. Electioneering also includes wearing clothing, hats or buttons depicting a specific candidate, proposition or measure. Voters that are wearing campaign material will be asked to remove it before allowing them to vote.

Results - They Aren't Final on Election Night

While the first release of results happens just after 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, those results are in no way final. The county Elections Office has been tabulating ballots since last week - the first release of results​ will only be inclusive of Vote by Mail and Vote Center ballots that are returned and processed through Monday, Nov. 4.

The second report, will include results from the Vote Centers on Election Day, and will be issued shortly after 10 p.m., with subsequent updates approximately every two hours, if needed, until all Vote Centers have reported

California allows for 28 days after the Election to certify the election; in addition to 7 days after Election Day to receive a mail ballot postmarked by Nov. 5. The earlier you return your ballot, the more votes we'll be able to tabulate by Election Day!

Vote: Pick a Way, ANY Way

Choose how, when and where you want to vote.

  • By Mail: All registered voters received a ballot in the mail. Place the voted ballot inside the envelope provided, sign the envelope and return - your postage is paid! If you haven't received your ballot, you can either visit a Vote Center or the Elections Office (7000 65th Street) to have one re-issued.
  • Vote Center: With the passage of the California Voter's Choice Act, traditional polling places were replaced with Vote Centers that are open for up to 11 days, including Election Day. This means voters can choose when, where and how they want to vote - at ANY Vote Center in the County. Avoid the lines, vote early!
    • ​At the Vote Center, you can drop off your completed ballot OR vote in person. There is even weekend voting!
      • 18 Vote Centers ​are currently open
      • An additional 70 Vote Centers open beginning Nov. 2​
      • Eligible residents can also register to vote, update their registration and cast their ballot at a Vote Center, even on the day of the election.
  • Drop Boxes: Voted/signed ballots may be placed in any of the 60 secure Drop Box locations throughout Sacramento County.
    • ​When using a Drop Box, ensure that it is an official, secure box provided by your County Election's Office. All official County Drop Boxes have the Sacramento County wave logo on them!

SacRT Offers Systemwide Free Ride on Tuesday, Nov. 5

SacRT is helping make every vote count by offering systemwide free rides on Election Day. Voters across the region can take advantage of this opportunity to easily reach Sacramento County Vote Centers and make their voices heard.

Free rides will be available on all SacRT services, including:

  • Fixed-route buses (including Causeway Connection, Elk Grove, e-van, Folsom, and Rancho CordoVan)
  • Light rail
  • SmaRT Ride on-demand shuttles
  • SacRT GO paratransit service​

No flyer or code is needed-simply board and ride for free on Election Day!