With everything that’s going on with Covid-19 and Trump’s attempts at voter suppression, it is important to learn how to protect your right to vote in this most important election, and to do it as safe as possible.

Make Sure You’re Registered

First make a habit of checking to make sure you are registered. This didn’t used to be something you had to worry about, especially if you voted the last election, and haven’t moved. But with all the shenanigans going on it’s a good idea to periodically check to see if you are still registered.

You can check to see if you are registered at the California Voter Status website. When checking your voting registration, be sure to use your legal name or the exact name you registered with. You also need to enter you drivers license number, last four of your Social Security number and your birthday.

Register or Re-Register

If you find you’re not registered, contact the Humboldt County Office of Elections (HCOE) before Oct. 19, 2020. You can still register after that date by requesting a Same Day Voter Registration and request your ballot in person at the HCOE or polling location.

Humboldt County Office of Elections

2426 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 707-445-7481
Email: humboldt_elections@co.humboldt.ca.us
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 12 (noon) and 1 – 5 pm

Humboldt County Voters Will Receive A Ballot in the Mail

For the November 3, 2020 General Election all registered voters will be mailed a Vote by Mail ballot to ensure a safe and accessible voting option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mailing of Vote by Mail ballots will begin no later than October 5, 2020. Supplemental Vote by Mail mailings will follow for newly registered or re-registered voters.

For more info on how to vote by mail, please visit: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail/

How to Return Your Vote by Mail Ballot

We encourage you to vote safely at home, and return your Vote by Mail ballot in one of the following ways:

• Mail your ballot on or before Election Day – no postage required.
• In person at any Vote by Mail drop box location. Visit the HCOE website at https://humboldtgov.org/elections or call 707-445-7481 for locations.
• In person at any Voter Assistance Center between October 31st and November 3rd. Visit our website at https://humboldtgov.org/elections or call 707-445-7481 for locations.

Track Your Vote by Mail Ballot

If you decide to use the mail in option, you can elect to receive personalized text messages, emails or voicemails letting you know when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted by the Registrar of Voters by subscribing to WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov

Early Voting

Early voting is convenient, easy, and begins 29 days before Election Day. Voters do not have to wait for Election Day to cast their ballot.

Early voting is available at the Office of Elections (see address above).

Will there be In-Person Voting on Election Day?

There will be nine (9) locations called Voter Assistance Centers that will be open for four days, October 31st through November 3rd. At the Center, voters can:

• Turn in a Vote by Mail ballot
• Vote a precinct ballot or vote on an accessible voting machine
• Get a replacement ballot
• Register or update registration
• Get voting materials in Spanish or Hmong

If you chose to vote in-person, wear a mask and bring your Vote by Mail Ballot to surrender so you can vote a precinct ballot. Be prepared, lines may be long!