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In
our Voters Service role, we present unbiased, nonpartisan information
about elections, the voting process, and issues on the ballot.
Preparation is the key to being an informed voter. There is information available before each election to help you become informed. It is important that you read some material about the candidates and measures on the ballot before you go to vote. California ballots typically have many candidates and many measures. Your time in the voting booth is limited, so mark your choices in your sample ballot before going to your polling place. ON THIS PAGE:
The sample ballot is contained in the Voter Information Pamphlet which is mailed to you by your County Elections Official. The sample ballot will contain:
The sample ballot in your voter pamphlet is identical to the ballot you will be given at the polling place. If you mark the sample ballot before you go to vote you can vote quickly and correctly. You do not have to vote on every contest or ballot measure. Your vote will be counted for every contest that you mark according to the rules. For example, if it says to vote for one person and you vote for two, your vote will not be counted for that contest. Do not use the sample ballot mailed to another person. The names of the candidates are in a different order on different ballots. This is a state law. It is supposed to make elections fairer so that no candidate is first (or last) on every ballot. Also do not tell someone to vote for a candidate by her or his number on your sample ballot. The candidate's number will be different on different ballots. A Voter Information Pamphlet containing the sample ballot is mailed approximately 2 to 5 weeks before the election by the County Elections Official to each registered voter. It is mailed to the address you gave on your voter registration form. If you moved after you registered the Pamphlet will not be forwarded to you. If you do not receive a sample ballot by two weeks before the election you may call your County Elections Official and request one. If you registered 29 to 15 days prior to the election you will be mailed a sample ballot if there is time to process your registration. If not, then you will be mailed a post card giving the location of your polling place. You may find a list of all contests on your sample ballot on Smart Voter if your county is participating in that election. Type your street address and zipcode in the ballot finder box. Extra copies of the sample ballots will be available at the polling place locations.
If there is a combined state and local election your household will also get the California Voter Information Guide from the Secretary of State. The California Voter Information Guide should be shared with all the registered voters in your household. It will contain:
The Guide is published online (see Elections and Voter Information for current and past guides). You may request a cassette tape of the California Voter Information Guide by ordering online or by phoning: 1-800-345-VOTE If you are interested in the propositions as they qualify for the ballot in an upcoming election, go to "Initiative Update".
Smart Voter provides nonpartisan election information presented by the League of Women Voters of California - candidates and measures just for your ballot. Find links to other websites for useful information organized conveniently -- to save you time. We do the surfing, you do the reading. All online voter information noted on this page is available through Smart Voter.
Before every election the League publishes different types of nonpartisan analyses of all statewide propositions. Easy Voter Guide
Pros & Cons of the Propositions
In Depth
See our Archive of Past Elections. The League has also published general information about ballot propositions, bond measures, and the initiative process for placing a measure on the ballot:
The California Legislative Analyst's Office provides fiscal and policy advice to the Legislature. The office carries out its oversight function by reviewing and analyzing the operations and finances of state government to ensure that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.
The League of Women Voters and other organizations often sponsor forums for candidates and Pros & Cons meetings about ballot measures prior to an election. Look for meeting notices on your county's Smart Voter page, call your local League of Women Voters office, or check your newspaper for information about times and places.
Many newspapers provide excellent coverage of the elections on the ballot. Some publish special election editions. And many have online editions of their newspaper. Call your local newspaper for more information. To help you find local online newspaper Web sites:
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The League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
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| ©
Copyright. League of Women Voters of California Education Fund. All rights
reserved. 801 12th Street, Suite 220; Sacramento, CA 95814. 916-442-7215 lwvc@lwvc.org |
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