I’m sure we can all agree on one thing: this is an extraordinarily consequential election, and after this brutal campaign, voting will not only be a civic privilege, but a cathartic moment-not-to-be-missed.
Here is information from the Contra Costa and Alameda County websites:
For Contra Costans:
Registration: application can be filled-out and submitted on-line, and must be sent at least 15 days prior to Election Day November 8th. By my count, that’s Monday, October 24th, but why push the limit? You can check on your current eligibility status here, and the on-line registration app is here.
Four ways to vote:
Early Voting 1: starting Monday October 10, weekdays, 8AM – 5PM at the County Election Office, 555 Escobar St., Martinez. Also Saturday, November 5 from 9AM – 5PM, or
Early Voting 2: starting October 31 – November 5, Regional Early Voting Centers will be open that Monday to Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm & Saturday 8:00 am to 5 pm. In San Ramon, that’s SR Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta. Other locations can be found here.
Vote by Mail: as to becoming a vote-by-mail voter, info is here. Postage is 68 cents. Signed(!) ballots may be mailed any time after receipt, as long as they are received by 11/11/2016. Or they can be dropped off at any of these locations.
Election Day: find your polling place here. Hours are 7 AM – 8 PM. If you are in-line at 8 you should be able to vote, but again, why risk it? Vote early, if not often (a joke for my Republican friend).
Fun Fact: here are the registration numbers as of 10/11/16: Democrat: 296,404; Republican: 130,204; Other: 158,954; Total 585,562
For Alamedans:
Registration: see info for Contra Costa, above. It’s a Secretary of State function. There’s also an in-person process, described here.
3 ways to vote:
Early Voting: starting 10/10 at the Registrar’s Office, 1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1 Oakland, during these hours and days.
Vote-by-mail: general information and deadlines are found here, for requesting either one-time or permanent vote-by-mail status, together with how to return your ballot. That site includes numerous drop-off locations. Enter your address for the box nearest you.
Election Day voting: hours will be 7 AM to 8 PM, if you are in line by 8 PM, you can vote. Your poll location can be found by entering your information here.
Fun Fact 2: Voters by Party in Alameda County, as of 7/16 report: Dem 492,182; GOP 107,090; Other 247,465; Total 846,737.
So, there you have it – exercise your franchise, and exorcise the demons of this gawdawful campaign season! In the words of a great American: "Don't boo -- VOTE!"
