Deadline nears to register to vote
The Nov. 6 general election is looming, but voters can still register to vote and/or register to vote by mail (vbm).
However, the deadlines for both are just around the corner.
To receive voting material packets residents can pick these up from the county elections office, the Porterville public library and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
This past week registration packets were removed from some post offices in California, including one in Bakersfield and Porterville, but are now back.
“We do have them,” said Yvonne Davis a postal worker at the Porterville Post Office.
The packets are also available online at Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s website: www.sos.ca.gov.
So far ,81,468 ballots VBM and Mail Ballot Precinct Ballots will be sent out on Oct. 8 and that number will increase according to Ann Turner the Tulare county election division manager.
She also explained that on Sept. 10, 290 military and overseas ballots were mailed. These ballots are mailed out 60 to 45 days prior to an election.
The largest registered age group, so far, is 21-23 year olds. Compared to last year’s registration, this year has increased by over 1,200 voters.
To register to vote a person must meet four criteria which are as follows: The person must be a U.S. citizen; must be at least 18 years old; must be a resident of California and finally, must not be declared mentally incompetent by a court.
Some prisoners can vote.
“Prisoners can be incarcerated and can vote as long as its not a felony charge,” said Turner who added that paroles on a felony charge are ineligible.
The last day for registration is Oct. 22. The packets must be postmarked or submitted electronically 15 days before the election day.
Voters who have moved to a new address, changed their name or political party choice must re-register to vote.
The first day for absentee ballots is Oct. 8 and the last day for mailing is Oct. 30.
A late condition absentee, which is only issued in the Election office, is available from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6.
Turner, pointed out that all ballots must be in their hands, by 8 on election night.
Polling locations will open on election day at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters can look up their polling places at www.tularecoelections.org under poll site and sample ballot look-up.
More information at the aforementioned site, including forms for student poll working, election officer help wanted forms and candidate information sheets, can also be found.
