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September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election

Lynda Roberts, Registrar of Voters, Elections

MARIN VOTES!

Vote by Mail, Convenient and Secure

September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election

All voters will be mailed a Vote By Mail ballot for this election per Senate Bills 29 and 152

The information on this page is election specific. Information will be added as it becomes available. For information about future elections visit the Election Schedule page.

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Index

Hot Topics

Hot Topics

  • Everyone Votes By Mail
    • What You Need To Know: Every active registered voter will automatically be sent a ballot in the mail. Voting by mail is convenient and secure — by law, signatures on vote by mail return envelopes must be verified before the ballot may be counted.
    • What You Need To Do: Please vote by mail to avoid standing lines at polling places. We pay the postage! Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received in the Elections Department by September 21. Sign up now to track when your ballot was mailed, received, and counted at Where's My Ballot (BallotTrax).
    • If you prefer, you can hand-deliver your voted ballot to any ballot drop box between August 16 and 8 pm, September 14 (when polls close). See our list of drop box locations and schedules.
    • For more information about how to vote by mail, how your ballot is processed, how to mark your ballot, or how to replace a lost ballot, visit our VBM page.
  • Are You Registered?
    • What You Need To Know: Vote by mail ballots will automatically be mailed to every active, registered voter.
    • What You Need To Do: First, check that you are registered at the Secretary of State's website.
    • If your residence address is not correct or you are not registered, fill out a new registration form at the Secretary of State's website
    • Don’t wait! Do this early to avoid delays getting your ballot in the mail. The deadline to register is August 30. After that date, registration options change. To learn more visit the Secretary of State's website.
  • Update About Polling Places

Important Information About the Recall Election

  • Important Information About the Recall Election

    Attention Marin County Voters!

    California Gubernatorial Recall Election September 14, 2021

    VOTE BY MAIL

    • All active registered voters will get a ballot in the mail per Senate Bill 29.
    • Expect delivery between August 20 – 23.
    • If you make a mistake or lose your ballot, call the Elections Office at
      (415) 473-6456 or toll free at (833) 644-2061.

    IN-PERSON VOTING

    • Early vote-by-mail voting starts in the Elections Office on August 16.
    • If you need to vote in person on Election Day (including accessible voting options), find your assigned polling place on the back of your Voter Information Guide to be mailed in August.

    Questions about how to vote a recall ballot? Visit our FAQ page for more information.

  • Información importante sobre la elección de retirada

    ¡Atención, votantes del condado de Marin!

    Elección para la destitución gubernamental de California - 14 de septiembre de 2021

    VOTACIÓN POR CORREO

    • Todos los votantes inscritos recibirán una boleta por correo como lo establece el Proyecto de Ley del Senado 29.
    • La entrega de la boleta será entre el 20 y el 23 de agosto.
    • Si comete un error o pierde su boleta, llame a la Oficina de Elecciones, al (415) 473-6456, o sin cargo al (833) 644-2061.

    VOTO EN PERSONA

    • La votación anticipada por correo comenzará en la Oficina de Elecciones el 16 de agosto.
    • Si necesita votar en persona el día de las elecciones (incluyendo opciones de voto accesible), busque su lugar de votación asignado en la parte posterior de su Guía de Información para el Votante que se enviará por correo en agosto.

    ¿Tiene dudas sobre cómo votar en la boleta de destitución? Visite nuestra página de preguntas frecuentes para obtener más información.

  • Thông tin quan trọng về cuộc Bầu cử thu hồi

    Lưu Ý cho Cử Tri Quận Marin!

    Bầu Cử Bãi Nhiệm Thống Đốc Bang California Ngày 14 Tháng 9 Năm 2021

    BỎ PHIẾU QUA THƯ

    • Tất cả cử tri đã đăng ký sẽ nhận được lá phiếu qua đường bưu điện theo Dự Luật Thượng Viện 29.
    • Thời gian giao lá phiếu dự kiến là từ ngày 20-23 tháng 8.
    • Nếu quý vị mắc lỗi hoặc làm mất lá phiếu của mình, hãy gọi tới Văn Phòng Bầu Cử theo số (415) 473-6456 hoặc số điện thoại miễn phí (833) 644-2061.

    BỎ PHIẾU TRỰC TIẾP

    • Bỏ phiếu sớm qua thư sẽ bắt đầu tại Văn Phòng Bầu Cử vào ngày 16 tháng 8.
    • Nếu quý vị cần bỏ phiếu trực tiếp vào Ngày Bầu Cử (bao gồm cả phương án bỏ phiếu có thể tiếp cận), hãy tìm điểm bỏ phiếu được chỉ định ở mặt sau của Hướng Dẫn Thông Tin Cử Tri được gửi qua đường bưu điện vào tháng 8.

    Các câu hỏi về cách bỏ phiếu bãi nhiệm? Truy cập trang Câu hỏi thường gặp của chúng tôi để biết thêm thông tin.

Candidates

Candidate Information

Candidate information is election specific. Information for and about candidates can be found on the CA Secretary of State's website.

Measures

Local Measures Information

There are no local measures for this election.

Vote By Mail

Information on Voting By Mail

Every active registered voter will be sent receive a ballot in the mail per Senate Bills 29 and 152. Find information here about voting by mail.

Dates & Facts

Dates and Facts

Voters With Specific Needs

Voters With Specific Needs

Remote Accessible Vote by Mail (RAVBM) is reserved for voters with disabilities. However, RAVBM is available to all voters for the September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election.

Request Translated Sample Ballot

  • Requesting a translated copy of the sample ballot
    • The sample ballot in some precincts has been translated into Spanish. The sample ballot in some precincts has been translated into Vietnamese. To request a copy, contact the Elections Department no later than seven days before the election:
      • Call (415) 473-645
      • Email: Elections Department
      • Mail a written request to PO Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913. Must arrive seven days before Election Day
    • The sample ballot is for information only.
  • Cómo solicitar una copia traducida de la boleta de muestra
    • En algunos recintos, la boleta de muestra ha sido traducida al español. Para solicitar una copia, comuníquese con el Departamento Electoral a más tardar siete días antes de la elección.
      • Llame al (415) 473-6456
      • Email: Elections Department
      • Envíe una solicitud escrita a P.O. Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913. Tiene que llegar siete días antes del día de la elección.
    • La boleta de muestra es solo para fines informativos.
  • Xin một bản sao của lá phiếu mẫu đã được thông dịch
    • Lá phiếu mẫu đã được phiên dịch sang tiếng Việt tại một số khu vực bầu cử. Để xin một bản sao, hãy liên lạc với Ban Bầu Cử trễ nhãt là bảy ngày trước ngày bầu cử.
      • Hãy gọi số (415) 473-6456
      • Email: Elections Department
      • Gửi một thư yêu cầu đến PO Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913. Thư phải đến nơi bảy ngày trước Ngày Bầu Cử.
    • Lá phiếu mẫu chỉ để thông tin mà thôi.

Observer Info

Election Observer Information

Anyone may observe all aspects of the election process so long as they do not interfere.

  • Key Dates
    • Weekdays: Ballot processing is performed in the Elections Department between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and may take place between the extended hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays except as noted below. Notice of ballot processing outside these hours and on weekends will be posted 48 hours in advance on our website homepage, and at the Civic Center Hall of Justice. You may call the Elections Department at 415-473-6456 for information about the daily processing schedule.
    • August 16: Sorting returned vote-by-mail ballots may start and will continue daily (depending on mail delivery) until all ballots are processed. Signature verification on ballot envelopes is part of this process.
    • August 16: Preparing vote-by-mail ballots for counting may start and will continue daily until all ballots are processed. The process includes removing ballots from envelopes and duplicating damaged ballots.
    • August 27: Test of ballot counting equipment is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Elections Department.
    • August 30: Counting vote-by-mail ballots may start and will continue daily until all ballots are counted. This process includes scanning and adjudication of ballots.
    • September 3: Second test of ballot counting equipment is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Elections Department.
    • September 14: Election Day polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A list of polling places and the Election Observer Guidelines are available on our website.
    • September 14: Precinct ballots will be returned to the Civic Center Hall of Justice (middle arch) on Election Day after the polls close at 8 p.m. Precinct ballots will be counted on election night and will continue that night until all precinct ballots are counted.
    • September 15: Official canvass begins at 8 a.m. in the Elections Department. Provisional ballots from polling places and conditional voter registration will be processed after vote-by-mail ballots.
    • TBD: The manual tally of ballots is conducted at the end of the canvass period and will continue until the manual tally is finished. Notice of the specific date will be posted online five days in advance.
  • Notice of Ballot Processing
    • Anyone may observe all aspects of the election process. Ballot processing is performed weekdays in the Elections Department at the locations listed below between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. except as noted.
    • Ballot processing may take place between the extended hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and may take place during these same hours on some weekends as well. Notice of specific weekend dates on which ballot processing will occur will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of those dates. You may call the Elections Department at the number listed below for information about the daily processing schedule.
    • Ballot processing includes:
      • Sorting returned vote-by-mail ballots
      • Verifying signatures on ballot envelopes
      • Removing ballots from envelopes
      • Duplicating damaged ballots
      • Counting vote-by-mail ballots
      • Counting precinct ballots on Election Day after polls close at 8 p.m.
      • Processing provisional ballots during the canvass period
      • Conducting a manual tally of ballots at the end of the canvass period
    • Elections Department location:
      Suite 121 Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael**
      Call 415-473-6456 for information
      ** ballot processing may occur and can be observed in other areas within the Civic Center, but all observers must first go to Suite 121 to check in
  • Observer Guidelines
  • Preparing Vote-By-Mail Ballots
    • Preparing vote-by-mail ballots for counting can start 29 days before the election, in the Elections Department office during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work will continue through mid-November until all ballots are processed.
  • Counting Vote-By-Mail Ballots
    • Counting vote-by-mail ballots can start 29 days before the election, in the Elections Department office secure room during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Counting will continue until all ballots are counted.
  • Polling Places
  • Ballot Drop Boxes
    • Ballot Drop Boxes will be available 28 days before the election. A list of locations is available on our website.
  • Precinct Ballots
    • Precinct ballots will be returned to the Civic Center at the middle arch after 8 p.m. on Election Day, and will be counted at that time.
  • Manual Tally
    • The manual tally of ballots is conducted at the end of the canvass period in the Elections Department office during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work will continue until the manual tally is finished. Notice of the specific date will be posted online five days in advance.
    • The Elections Department is located in Suite 121 of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Call (415) 473-6456 for more information.

Precinct Consolidation Waiver

Precinct Consolidation Waiver

The Elections Department requested a precinct consolidation waiver for the September 14, 2021, California Gubernatorial Recall Election as allowed by Senate Bill 152, Elections Code sec. 1604. The Secretary of State’s Office approved this request on July 19, 2021. You may request a copy of this approval by emailing the Elections Department.

  • Pursuant to Elections Code §1604 (Senate Bill 152), the County of Marin is requesting a precinct consolidation waiver regarding the maximum number of voters in a precinct under Elections Code §12223, not to exceed 3,000 voters for the September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election.
  • Given the extremely short amount of time to find polling places and the number of unavailable locations, we must consolidate a number of precincts to include over 1,000 and up to 3,000 voters.
  • Out of 94 polling place voting precincts, 67 precincts need to be consolidated as follows:
    • 32 voting precincts over 1,000 but less than 2,000 voters
    • 19 voting precincts over 2,000 but less than 3,000 voters
    • 16 voting precincts up to 3,000 voters but not exceeding 3,000 voters
  • Efforts to secure the required in-person voting locations
    • In a statewide election, Marin County typically uses 88 facilities that have served as polling places for many years. Since the date the recall election was set (July 1), we have been contacting all facilities and have continued this effort each day via phone calls, follow-up phone calls, emails, letters, and site visits. In addition, the Elections Department issued a news release on July 8 expressing the urgent need for voting locations. As of the date of this plan:
      • 66 locations are confirmed
      • 16 locations are not available due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic or being reserved for another event
      • 6 locations are pending confirmation; staff is having difficulty getting in touch with the contact person
    • There is not enough time to secure the required number of polling places we typically use in a statewide election and still meet all election deadlines.
  • Plans to avoid a negative disparate impact
    • With respect to voting locations:
      • We are using known locations so all locations have been surveyed for accessibility and mitigated as necessary, and voters are familiar with these locations.
      • We have secured locations in areas that serve language and disability needs and locations in areas with a history of low vote by mail usage.
      • Polling places will be organized and conducted according to standard practices and services, including:
        • Possessing the required minimum number of accessible ballot marking devices
        • Offering facsimile ballots printed in required languages
        • Offering the opportunity for curbside voting
        • All other services required to be offered at polling places
      • As much as possible, locations will be most central to the precincts being served.
      • Larger sites will be selected over smaller sites, especially when more than one consolidated voting precinct will be assigned to that location.
      • Two official vote by mail ballot drop boxes will be located at the centrally-located County Civic Center and will be available 24 hours per day starting August 16 (E-29)—one walk-up drop box and one drive-thru drop box.
      • We will assess the need for additional early drop-box sites based on the need of areas without a polling place.
  • Accommodating anticipated demand for in-person voting
    • We are confident our plan will not reduce in-person voting locations below a number of locations necessary to accommodate the anticipated demand to provide safe and efficient in-person voting services based on the following:
      • For this election, all active registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Voters that normally don’t vote by mail experienced this in the November 2020 election, so this will not be a new process.
      • Marin County has a high rate of vote-by-mail voters—currently, 86% of Marin County voters are registered as permanent vote by mail voters.
      • Due to this very high rate of vote by mail, fewer voters go to polling places. Polling place turnout in November 2020 (an all-mail election) was less than 10%.
      • Using the planned consolidation, the number of polling place voters (non-VBM) will be as follows:
        • 45 locations: 12% or less
        • 18 locations: 13%-15%
        • 4 locations: 16%-20%
        Past experience shows that polling places are capable of handling multiple precincts with this number of voters.
      • All of the foregoing plus the availability of official vote by mail drop boxes will result in a manageable in-person turnout at Marin County polling places.

Ballot Counting Equipment Test

Ballot Counting Equipment Test

A public Logic and Accuracy Test (L&A) of the vote counting program and ballots is conducted before each election prior to counting ballots. The Logic and Accuracy test is designed to provide an overview of the election night vote counting process and to verify that the ballot counting program prepared for the election is properly reading and tabulating votes.

The L&A test for the September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election is scheduled for Friday, August 27, 2021, 10:00 a.m. and Friday, September 3, 2021, 10:00 a.m. in the Marin County Elections Department, Suite 121, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA.

For more information see our Logic and Accuracy Test Procedure page.