‘Voting is our superpower:’ What you need to know to cast your ballot in the 2020 election
With fewer than 30 days until Election Day, ballot drop-off locations opened Monday in Riverside County, and mail-in ballots are on their way to registered voters.
Every registered Californian will receive a ballot in the mail this year, due to the pandemic. They were mailed out last week and are expected to be delivered this week.
To track your ballot using California's 'BallotTrax' system: click here.
"You need to open your ballot as soon as it comes – don't let it sit there," said Becki Robinson, a volunteer voting coordinator with Courageous Resistance. She has been making a final push to register voters in the valley.
If you're not registered, it's not too late. The deadline is October 19. Click here to register to vote.
Robinson said once you get your ballot in the mail, don't forget to sign your name and mark the date on the back side – a necessary step for your vote to count.
"23 percent of the ballots in the last election did not count because people did not sign and date their ballot," Robinson said.
If you mail your ballot back, you don't need a stamp. It's already designated as first class mail.
But there are also 80 drop off locations that will be received directly by the Registrar's office – including at every city hall in the county.
You're encouraged to only vote in-person if you need assistance.
Early voting will open up at the Westfield Mall in Palm Desert Oct. 23-25.
Voting assistance centers will be open for casting ballots Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, Election Day.
"There may be lines; there may not be lines," Robinson said. "If there are lines, you need to be sure you are prepared to stay for a while. Bring a chair, bring water."
She said the stakes have never been higher to make sure your vote counts.
"Voting is our superpower," Robinson said. "It is our voice. It is so important that every single person's voice is heard."
You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.
