By Mary O’KEEFE

Residents have received a notice from USPS concerning the upcoming Nov. 3 election. It reminds voters to request “your mail-in ballot” at least 15 days prior to the election. However, all residents who have registered to vote in California will be receiving a vote-by-mail ballot for the November general election; there is no need to request one unless one is not received.

“If registered voters don’t receive vote-by-mail ballots, they should contact the [Registrar’s Office] as soon as possible if they would like us to issue a replacement,” stated Mike Sanchez, spokesman, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

The notice also states to “add postage to the return envelope if needed.” California has the “No Stamp, No Problem” program. The postage is covered; just put the completed ballot in the mailbox or in one of the drop boxes that are located throughout the area, like the one in front of the Montrose Library, 2465 Honolulu Ave. A list of drop box locations throughout LA County will be released 30 days prior to the Nov. 3 election.

Mail-in ballots can also be dropped at any Vote Center in LA County. Voters will also have the choice to vote in person if they do not choose to vote by mail. It is illegal to vote twice; i.e., voting by mail and also voting in person.

Voters can track their ballot by subscribing to Where’s My Ballot at the LA County Registrar’s Office. The service is free and available to all registered voters. They can also check to verify their ballot was received and counted through the Vote by Mail Status Tool. To sign up for these programs/applications, visit lavote.net and search “Voting by Mail.”

Those who would like to vote in the November election must register by Oct. 19. Register either online or by mail as long as the registration is postmarked by Oct. 19. Vote-by-mail ballots must be delivered to a polling place or deposited in a drop box by Nov. 3. If mailed, ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received at the LA County Registrar’s Office no later than Nov. 20.

  Mary Okeefe