For voters in San Luis Obispo County who plan to use mail-in ballots, here is an overview of what will be included in your ballot. This guide provides voter information, important deadlines and in-person voting options to ensure every vote is counted.
Will I receive a vote-by-mail packet?
All voters registered in San Luis Obispo County will receive a vote-by-mail ballot and packet at their address on file.
What’s included with my ballot?
You will receive your ballot, a ballot-return envelope, a California voter information guide, a San Luis Obispo County voter information guide and instructions on how to vote in-person.
What kind of voter information guide will I receive?
You will receive two booklets: one has information on statewide races, such as the Senate election and state ballot measures, and the other has information on county-specific races, like the San Luis Obispo Mayoral Election.
When do I have to mail my ballot back for it to be counted?
Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder no later than 7 days after Election Day.
You can also return your ballot to an official ballot dropbox (including one at Cal Poly’s University Union) or polling location by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day instead of mailing it back.
What if I want to vote in person instead?
If you received a mail-in ballot but want to vote in person, do not fill out your mail-in ballot and bring the blank ballot to a polling location on Election Day. A poll worker will help you trade it in for an in-person ballot.
Where is my in-person polling location?
The mail-ballot you receive includes a paper slip detailing the closest polling location to your address.
How many people usually vote by mail in San Luis Obispo County?
According to the San Luis Obispo County Clerk Recorder, more than 90% of San Luis Obispo County voters voted by mail in the last three major elections since the pandemic—the 2021 Gubernatorial Recall Election, the 2022 Midterm Election and this year’s March 5 Primary Election.
Correction: This article has been updated on Oct. 25 to correct an incorrect date