secure-election.org

In this issue: voting by mail · track your ballot ·

· election worker protection pledge · resources · election calendar · 

The Contra Costa County Elections will mail a ballot to every registered voter on Oct. 7. Voted ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Voting by mail is safe, secure, and preferred by most voters. It’s a highly regulated process, with countless checkpoints, people, and systems working together to keep elections secure.

• Ballot envelopes are assigned unique ID numbers to ensure voters only vote once and so voters can track their ballots using BallotTrax
• Ballots are only mailed to registered voters
• Returned ballots are handled with strict chain-of-custody procedures
• The voter’s signature on the ballot return envelope is checked up to three separate times 
• Voters will be contacted to “cure” their signature if it’s missing or doesn’t match what’s on file
• A voter’s activity is logged in the elections system, so the Contra Costa Elections Division only counts the first ballot they receive from each voter

Learn more about voting by mail at secure-election.org/facts-voting and check your voter registration status or register to vote at contracostavote.gov.

The Contra Costa County Elections Division protects your vote, every step of the way. Registered voters can sign up to be notified when their ballot is mailed, received, and counted at ballottrax.net.

Voters can also use the My Voting Information tool on the Contra Costa County Elections Division website to confirm when their ballot has been issued or received. If you are registered to vote and did not receive your ballot, or it’s lost or damaged, request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot at contracostavote.gov.

Tune in to this podcast episode to learn how the USPS ensures the integrity and efficiency of the election mail process. Adrienne Marshall, the Executive Director for Election and Government Mail Services, sheds light on the extensive preparations already underway at the Postal Service to manage and secure the millions of ballots expected to be mailed this election season.

As our nation approaches another crucial election, we are confronted with a serious challenge: the professionals who ensure our elections are fair and accurate are being targeted throughout the country with threats, harassment, and intimidation.

These individuals, who are our friends and neighbors, are the backbone of our democracy. Often working behind the scenes, they ensure that every vote is counted and that the election process remains impartial. It is more important than ever that we come together to support their essential work.

We invite you to join the Pledge to Stand By Those Who Defend Our Democracy, reaffirming our commitment to stand with election workers and protect the integrity of our elections. As community leaders, we have the responsibility to speak out against harassment and intimidation and to defend the values that sustain our democracy. By standing together, we can ensure that the people who protect our elections continue their work without fear.

As a leader in the community, we want you to have the facts about elections so you're ready for questions.

You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Let people know they can visit secure-election.org for answers to common questions, videos and fact sheets. If they have more questions, they can contact the Contra Costa County Elections Division by calling (925) 335-7800 or emailing voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.

Feel free to use the material below or create your own content. Please tag the Contra Costa County Elections Division (see social handles below) and use #CoCoVote and #TrustedInfo2024 in your social media posts.

Election Key Dates

• Sept. 26: Voter Information Guides mailed
• Oct. 7: Ballots mailed to registered voters, ballot drop boxes open and in-person voting at Election Office
• Oct. 21: voter registration deadline - after this date, you can register in person at the Election Office, at an early voting site or on Election Day at a polling place
• Oct. 29: last day to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot
• Nov. 1: regional early voting starts
• Nov. 5: Election Day - polling places open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Nov. 12: deadline to receive mailed ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 5
• Dec. 5: election certification deadline

Resources on secure-election.org:

• FAQs
• Fact sheets
• Videos

Social Media Engagement

• Social media graphics
• Social media response library
• Campaign hashtags: #CoCoVote and #TrustedInfo2024
• Tag us like this:
• Instagram: @contra_costa_elections
• TikTok: @CC.ClerkRec.Elect
• Facebook: @Contra Costa County Elections
• X: @CoCoElections

We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to email us: info@contracostavote.org