Mono County voters have more options to return their ballots this election, with two new drop box locations in Lee Vining and Benton and expanded availability of ballot drop-off sites ahead of Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed to all registered voters on Oct. 5, and voters can return their completed ballots by mail, at a secure drop box, or in person.
The new drop boxes are at the Lee Vining Community Center and Benton Community Center. Their addition comes as California implements a new requirement under Senate Bill 884, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, that requires vote-by-mail ballot drop-off locations statewide to open at least 30 days before Election Day.
Voters who prefer to cast their ballots in person will have that option on Election Day at polling places throughout Mono County. In-person voting is also available for people who need a replacement ballot, require language or accessibility assistance, or want to register and vote on the same day through Conditional Voter Registration.
Those bringing a vote-by-mail ballot to a polling place can surrender it in exchange for an in-person ballot. Voters can also drop off a completed, signed vote-by-mail envelope at any polling site on Election Day.
Before returning a ballot by mail or using a drop box, voters should make sure they have signed and dated the return envelope in the designated space.
Voters can also track their ballots through California's free “Where’s My Ballot?” service, which provides updates on when a ballot is mailed, received, and counted. The service is available at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
A complete list of Mono County's polling places and official ballot drop box locations is available at monocounty.ca.gov/1943/Where-to-Vote .
For information about election deadlines, voter registration status, or polling locations, residents can contact the Mono County Elections Office or visit monocounty.ca.gov .
