By Mary O’KEEFE

Registered voters will soon be receiving their vote-by-mail ballots.

“Los Angeles County begins mailing ballots to every registered voter on Thursday, Oct. 3. We ask voters to allow some time for them to arrive; however, most will receive theirs within the week. Voters can track the status of their ballot and its delivery by signing up to the https://tinyurl.com/2vuzdhuu,” according to a statement from LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office (RR/CC).

This site directs readers to the state’s site Where’s My Ballot? Voters can find more information about vote-by-mail including tracking the ballot after a voter has filled it out and returned it. The site will note when it was received and counted.

The state offers a variety of ways that registered voters can fill out their ballots and vote. The vote-by-mail ballot can be mailed back to the LA County Registrar’s office (the address is on the return envelope) or it can be dropped off in a ballot drop box.

“Ballot drop boxes will also open on Oct. 3 and remain open through Election Day, Nov. 5. Voters are encouraged to return their ballots as soon as possible by mail, ballot drop box, or in person at a vote center, starting on Oct. 26,” stated the RR/CC.

There will be a list available 29 days before Election Day of drop boxes that are close to a voter’s location. Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. The boxes are bolted securely into cement or chained in place; they are designed with security features identified in state regulations and have an exterior coating to reduce permanent graffiti or damage. Ballots are picked up regularly by two election workers. LA County works with law enforcement agencies, cities, local stakeholders and community-based organizations to monitor and safeguard all boxes.

To find answers to questions regarding the upcoming November election, including verifying voter registration, go to lavote.org or contact RR/CC at (800) 201-8999 or (800) 815-2666, Option #1.