Redwood City , CA - Warren Slocum, San Mateo County's Chief Elections Officer, unveiled the new Absentee Ballot Security Envelope today as the Elections Division prepares to mail over 100,000 absentee ballots to County voters.

“This new security envelope is a huge step forward for protecting the confidential information of voters and ensuring the integrity of the absentee ballot,” Slocum announced.

The innovative design, the first of its kind for use in a California election, features a secure back flap that conceals the voter’s signature and address. The improved flap design prevents the use of the voter’s personal information for election fraud or identity theft, yet does not hinder election workers from processing the ballots safely and efficiently. “The security of voter’s personal information and the integrity of the elections process are my top priorities. With the overwhelming popularity of absentee voting, I wanted to take additional measures to protect voter information. This new envelope design will help us to maintain our high standards of accuracy and security in the Elections Division,” Slocum stated.

Developed by top elections staff in conjunction with Atlantic Envelope in Hayward, California , the envelope has passed its first test with flying colors as early returns from overseas have proven the envelope and the flap can withstand the journey intact and secure. “I challenged the staff to design something that would address this concern. Narda Garcia of our Elections Division and the folks at Atlantic Envelope met the challenge. The envelope works perfectly while concealing a voter’s personal information,” said Slocum.

Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters beginning today. Applications to vote by mail will continue to be accepted through Tuesday, October 26. Voters can apply by mail, fax, or on-line at www.shapethefuture.org. Voter registration for the General Election will close Monday, October 18.

By law, all mailed or faxed requests must be received (regardless of postmark) by the Elections Office no later than 7 days prior to the election, by 5:00 p.m. on October 26.

Voted absentee ballots will be accepted at both Elections Office sites and all active polling places in the County through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 2. Voters may also drop off their voted absentee ballot at any of the 20 City Halls within San Mateo County, but they should check with their City Clerk as to office hours.