(Redwood City) – Warren Slocum, San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer took time Friday to remind voters of next week’s absentee ballot deadline. “We have a very efficient and successful absentee ballot program, and I want to ensure that every voter who wishes to vote by mail has that opportunity,” said Slocum.

Voters in the City of San Carlos and Brisbane School District will decide the fate of two local measures on March 8th.

All online, 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 March 1. After that date, registered voters may still request an absentee ballot in person at the Elections Offices at 40 Tower Road in San Mateo between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Voters may apply for an absentee ballot in several ways: (1) a new online form on the Elections website, www.shapethefuture.org; (2) on the back cover of the Sample Ballot Pamphlet mailed to all registered voters; or (3) by calling the Elections Office at 650-312-5222.

Slocum also announced that the Elections Office at 40 Tower Road will begin the opening and processing of voted absentee ballots for the March 8 Special Election on Tuesday, March 1 at approximately 8:30 A.M. Any person or organization interested in observing this process may contact the Elections Division’s Manager, Mr. David Tom, at (650) 312-5222.

In accordance with state law, the opening and counting process of the returned, voted ballots is open to the public and may commence no earlier than 7 days prior to the Election. The results shall not be tallied at any time before the close of polls on Election Day, 8:00 P.M. on March 8.