JUSTINE FREDERIKSEN
Feb 29, 2024
With the effects of oncoming storms likely to linger into next week, the Mendocino County Elections Office is urging voters to mail their ballots as soon as possible.
With the effects of oncoming storms likely to linger into next week, the Mendocino County Elections Office is urging voters to mail their ballots as soon as possible.
“With Election Day quickly approaching and with the probability of storms in Mendocino County, we want to remind voters to return ballots at their earliest convenience,” staff at the Elections Office noted in a press release sent out Thursday.
The release also advises that Friday, March 1, “will be the last day the Elections Office can mail ballots out to county residents. If you cannot locate your ballot, contact the Elections Office (call 707-234-6819 or email mcvotes@mendocinocounty.gov) and staff will assist you with determining your options for casting a vote.”
Voters still needing a ballot can also “visit a Polling Place on Election Day, or come into the Elections Office at 501 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, any day prior to Election Day to get a ballot. If a person wishes to pick up a ballot for their spouse, that person must bring an authorization note from their spouse.”
If you already have a ballot, you can vote in several ways, either by “taking your ballot to a Polling Location, using one of the Ballot Drop-off locations, or by mailing it via the U.S. Postal Service.”
Katrina Bartolomie, registrar of voters for Mendocino County, notes in the Thursday press release that “Election law requires voted ballots be mailed by Election Day, preferably with a post mark, and received by the Elections Office within seven days of Election Day, or by March 12, 2024, to be counted. With the probability of storms, voters may consider mailing their ballots prior to Election Day.”
Once they receive a ballot, the Elections Office notes that it “can only count a ballot that is accompanied by your signature. Voters are reminded to put their return address on the envelope in which you mail your ballot and sign the envelope.”
Again, any further questions can be asked of Elections Office staff by calling: 707-234-6819 or emailing: mcvotes@mendocinocounty.gov
A list of Ballot Drop-off boxes that will be open through 8 p.m. March 5:
City of Willits drive-up, 111 E. Commercial St., 24/7
City of Fort Bragg, by front door. 416 N. Franklin St. 24/7
City of Point Arena, drive-up, 451 School St. 24/7
Mendocino County Administration building, drive-up, 501 Low Gap Rd. 24/7
City of Ukiah, drive-up, 300 Seminary Ave. 24/7.
Mendocino County Fairgrounds office, 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. Open M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A list of Polling Places that will be open Tuesday, March 5:
Ukiah: Thurston Auto Plaza, 2800 N. State St.
Ukiah: New Life Community Church, 750 Yosemite Dr.
Ukiah: Mendocino C0unty Administration building, 501 Low Gap Rd.
Ukiah: Senior Center, Bartlett Hall, 495 Leslie St.
Ukiah: St. Mary’s Church, 900 S. Oak St.
Hopland: Hopland Fire Department, 21 Feliz Creek Rd.
Redwood Valley: Training Center, 8207 East Rd.
Potter Valley: Potter Valley High, 10401 Main St.
Willits: Brooktrails Community Center, 24860 Birch St.
Willits: Community Center, 111 E. Commercial St.
Laytonville: Lions Fire Hall, 44920 Willis Ave.
Covelo: Round Valley Justice Court, 76270 Grange St.
Boonville: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville
Comptche: Chapel of the Redwoods, 31201 Comptche Rd.
Gualala: South Coast Fire Department, 39215 Church St., Gualala.
Little River: Little River Inn, 7901 Highway 1.
Point Arena: Veterans Memorial Building, 451 School St.
Mendocino: Mendocino Fire Department, 44700 Little Lake Rd.
Fort Bragg: C.V. Starr Center, 300 S. Lincoln St.
Fort Bragg: Veterans Memorial Building, 360 N. Harrison St.
Caspar: Caspar Community Center, 15051 Caspar Rd.
As for the forecasted storms, Mendocino County officials noted Thursday that a significant winter weather event will impact Mendocino County this weekend and potentially into early next week.
“Forecasts indicate major impacts due to snow, high winds, and hail on Friday and Saturday with the potential for lingering impacts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Snow levels will drop rapidly to 1000’ on Friday evening and travel will become difficult to impossible on the higher passes. Some high-elevation areas will receive more than 12” of snow. Road closures, power outages, downed trees and hazardous conditions are expected.”