Voting Options

How to Vote by Mail

 

You may apply up to seven days before an election for a Vote by Mail ballot to be mailed to you by:

 

1. Completing the online application. (Coming Soon)

   Voters will be mailed a vote by mail ballot for the upcoming election only. To sign up permanently, download, print, sign and return the paper application.
   
   

2. Completing and returning this printed application form for Permanent Vote by Mail status.
   
   
3. Completing the application on the back cover of your Sample Ballot Pamphlet.
   
   
4. Sending a written request for a Vote by Mail ballot which must include the following:
   
   
   • Your full name
   • Your residence address in San Mateo County
   • Mailing address where you want your ballot sent (if different from your residence address)
   • Name & date of election you want to receive a ballot for
   • Your signature
     
     
   • Please mail your request to:
     
     

     Registration & Elections Division
     40 Tower Road
     San Mateo, CA 94402
     Attention: Vote by Mail Unit
     
     

   • You may also fax your request to:

     
     (650) 312-5348

The Elections Office must receive all applications no later than seven days before election day. Postmarks do not count.

 

Vote Early

You may also cast a Vote by Mail ballot in person in the Elections Office at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo. Voting by Mail voting begins 29 days before an election and extends until the close of polls on election day.

 

Emergency Vote by Mail Voting

If, during the seven days before an election, you become ill or disabled or, for any reason, find that you will be away from the polls on election day, you may request in a written statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that a ballot be delivered to your authorized representative. Your authorized representative will receive your ballot after presenting the signed statement at the Elections Office.

 

Uniformed and Overseas Voters

San Mateo County voters who are overseas or in the military may register and apply for an absentee ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application form (Standard Form 76). This form is available at your local US Embassy or by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/.