Redwood City, CA - Warren Slocum , San Mateo County ’s Chief Elections Officer took time Friday to remind voters of next week’s absentee ballot deadline. “With growing interest in the November 8, 2005 Consolidated Special Statewide Election, I want to ensure that every voter who wishes to vote by mail has that opportunity,” said Slocum.

With over 128,000 absentee ballots already sent to voters, the Elections Division is planning for a healthy return of ballots. “We have a very efficient and successful absentee ballot program, and San Mateo County voters have been very vocal in their support and preference for this convenient voting option,” Slocum noted. In addition to the convenience of voting at home, voters may now track the status of their absentee ballot via a new online function on the Elections Division web site, www.shapethefuture.org.

For the November 8 th Election, all online, mailed, or faxed requests for an absentee ballot 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 November 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 or 555 County Center, 1 st Floor in Redwood City 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) an 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 faxing a written request to the Elections Office at 650-312-5348.

Slocum also announced that the Elections Office at 40 Tower Road will begin the opening and processing of voted absentee ballots for the November 8 th Election on Tuesday, November 1 st 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 processing 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 November 8, 2005.