Inside Elections

Understanding your voting options can be hard enough during a regular election, but a Special Congressional Open Primary can be even more confusing. We want to make sure you’re prepared when you head to the polls tomorrow. Remember … smooth voting takes preparation.

Verify your registration status for voting in this election by visiting the San Mateo County Elections website. The deadline to register to vote in the April 8 Special Congressional Open Primary was March 24.

While you’re online, confirm your polling place! Over 60 locations were changed prior to the Nov. 2007 election in order to comply with accessibility, electrical and space requirements. If you can’t make it to our website, check the back cover of your Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet. You can also find polling place info at the League of Women Voters website.

Brush up on how to vote. Instructions on how to use the eSlate voting machine can be found online, in the Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet, and at the polling place.

“This is a perfect opportunity for voters who have never voted on the eSlate voting system to do so!” said Slocum. “With only one contest on the ballot in the Special Congressional Open Primary Election, it takes very little time to vote. Voters who haven’t tried the eSlates as yet, will discover just how easy it is to use but shouldn’t hesitate asking for help if they need it,” Slocum said. “Our poll workers are more than happy to help!”

When you head to the polls, bring ID if you are a first-time voter. Over 30 forms of id will be accepted, including a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, student ID, government-issued check, or utility bill showing your name and address.

If you are a Vote by Mail voter, and you haven’t mailed in your ballot, plan to drop off your Vote by Mail ballot at the Elections Office or any polling place in San Mateo County within the 12th Congressional District. We can’t count your vote if it isn’t in on time, so drop it off in person at any of the following locations by 8 p.m. on Election Day:

• The Elections Office at 40 Tower Road in San Mateo or 555 County Center in Redwood City,
• Any city hall in San Mateo County within the 12th Congressional District during normal business hours, or
• Any San Mateo County polling place within the 12th Congressional District on Election Day, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. It doesn’t even have to be in your home precinct.

Postmarks don’t count!

And don’t forget – Special Open Primaries are different from other elections. All candidates will appear on one ballot, so you can vote for whomever you want (out of the five candidates) regardless of your party affiliation. If one of the candidates receives a majority vote, that person will remain in the seat for the remainder of the current unexpired term of office, ending on January 3, 2009.

If there is no majority winner, the candidates from each party with the highest number of voters will be listed on the ballot for the June 3, 2008 Statewide Direct Primary Election.

Still unsure about how this all works? Visit our website to read more about the April 8, 2008 Special Congressional Open Primary, and how to vote.