Important Dates and Frequently Asked Questions
October 6, 2008 - First day mail ballots will be available. First day early voting available at Registrar of Voters. RoV is open for voting 8 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday.October 10, 2008 - Mail ballot processing begins.
October 20, 2008 - Last Day to Register to Vote
October 24, 2008 - Opening and preparing mail ballots for computer tabulation
October 27, 2008 - Mail ballot scanning process begins
October 28, 2008 - Last Day to Apply for an Mail Ballot. Request due to RoV by 5 pm.
November 1-2, 2008- Weekend voting at RoV. RoV office open 8am thru 5 pm Saturday and Sunday
November 4, 2008 - Election Day. Registrar of Voters Office is open for voting 7 a.m. through 8 p.m.
1. WHY IS THERE AN ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008-WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT?
November 4 is the regularly scheduled election date for the Presidential General Election. All 50 states will vote on this date. In addition to the Presidential contest, this election will determine the winners for Congress, the California State Senate and State Assembly. Candidates for these offices represent California's political parties (Republican, Democratic, American Independent, Green, Libertarian, and Peace & Freedom).There will also be candidates for many nonpartisan offices on the ballot, including the County Board of Education (4th District) and city officials for the 18 incorporated cities through the county. The offices on the ballot will vary by each city. Other contests on the ballot include the governing boards for school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, water districts and planning groups.
2. WHO CAN VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?
All registered voters in the County of San Diego are eligible to vote. The last day to register to vote for this election is Monday, October 20, 2008. Voter registration cards are available at Post Offices, Department of Motor Vehicles offices and Library buildings, as well as various City Clerk offices, and the Registrar of Voters at 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I, San Diego (Kearny Mesa area).IMPORTANT: If you have moved since you last registered to vote, wish to change your party affiliation, or have changed your name, you should re-register as soon as possible, but no later than October 20.
3. WHERE WILL THE POLLS BE LOCATED?
There will be approximately 1,697 precincts located throughout the county. Your poll location will be shown on the back cover of your sample ballot pamphlet. You may also determine your poll location by calling the Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800.
4. DOES THE COUNTY NEED POLLWORKERS?
Yes! The Registrar is recruiting poll workers for this election. Poll workers must be registered voters and will be paid from $75 to $150 depending on their assignment. If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, please check the Registrar’s website at www.sdvote.com and/or call 858-565-5800. Especially needed are Vietnamese, Spanish, and Filipino-speaking poll workers.
5. WHAT IF YOU WANT TO VOTE BUT CANNOT MAKE IT TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY?
You may vote a mail ballot by (1) calling the Registrar of Voters and requesting an application; (2) completing the application card on the back of your sample ballot pamphlet; or (3) writing your own request that includes your name, registered address in San Diego County, signature and address where the ballot is to be mailed. Applications should be sent to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I, San Diego, 92123. A faxed application is also acceptable. The fax number is 858-694-2955.In-office voting will also begin at the Registrar of Voters office on Monday, October 6, 2008, and continue through Election Day (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). The Registrar’s Office will be open for voting Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday (November 1 and 2); the weekend preceding Election Day.
Mail ballot applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but not later than May October 29, 2008. The Registrar will begin mailing ballots at least 29 days (October 6th) before Election Day to voters with requested permanent vote-by-mail status and those who have requested vote-by-mail status for this Presidential General Election.
For further information on any of the above subjects, please call the Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800.
