Santa Barbara County officials remind residents to return mail-in ballots

Santa Barbara County officials are reminding residents to return mail-in ballots ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5.

County Clerk, Recorder, Assessor and Registrar of Voters Joseph Holland says voters in the area have several options for returning their ballots this year.

Regardless of the return method, Holland says in a news release that it is “critical” for voters to mark, seal, date and sign their ballot.

Ballots can be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (no postage required) until November 5th.

The Board of Elections has also reportedly provided several drop boxes throughout Santa Barbara County that are available 24 hours a day until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. A list of drop box collection locations can be found on the Santa Barbara County Elections website. Voting web page using drop boxes.

Finally, officials say each of Santa Barbara County’s three polling places are accepting mail-in ballots. Community members can also receive assistance with a full range of voter services at election offices, it is reported. The center’s opening hours for this and next week are as follows:

• Santa Barbara (4440-A Calle Real): 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Santa Maria (511 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 134): 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Lompoc (401 E. Cypress, Suite 102): 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31.

County officials say all three locations will be open Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While all voters have been mailed ballots, officials say residents can still vote in person at a polling place on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local polling places can be found on the Santa Barbara County Elections website. Voting on the polls page.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Elections can be reached at website or by calling (800) 722-8683.