November 8 -- voting matters
In odd years, we have local elections. This year we’re filling three seats on the Half Moon Bay City Council, as well as seats on several water, sanitary and fire boards. (A few of our local elections, notably the Cabrillo and La Honda-Pescadero school boards, are held in even years.)
Register to vote
The Voice of the Coast encourages all Coastside residents to register to vote, and, of course, actually vote when the time comes. How you vote is your own business, but we hope you’ll find our endorsements persuasive.
Voter registration forms are available at all post offices and at the local library.
You must register at your principal place of residence, and if you move, you must re-register at your new address. The last day to register in time to vote in this election is October 24. If registering by mail, your registration must be postmarked on or before October 24, and be received by the elections division before election day.
Check your mailing address
A voter registration form must specify physical address of the voter’s principal place of residence. Many of us on the Coastside, though, have mailing addresses that differ from our physical addresses. The county elections division does its best to ensure the delivery of election materials, but they depend on having a correct mailing address. If you’re in doubt as to what your correct mailing address is, ask at your local post office. If you have questions about your voter registration, call the county elections division at 650-312-5222.
Sample ballots & absentee voting
Sample ballots and voter information pamphlets are mailed between September 29 and October 18. A form is provided for requesting an absentee ballot.
Any voter may request an absentee ballot. November 1 is the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail.
Early voting
You may vote in person starting Monday October 10 (29 days before Election Day) at the elections office at 40 Tower Road in San Mateo, near the Ralston Ave exit from Hwy 92.
More information
For more information, visit the official election site of San Mateo County, shapethefuture.org, email registrar @ smcare.org, or call 650-312-5222.