Does the voting clerk automatically send me an Application to Vote by Mail?
No. Senate Bill 1 makes it illegal for County Elections Administrators to send mail ballot applications, including already eligible voters 65 and older. The voter must reach out and specifically request an application to vote by mail.
The application is available to download as a fillable form:
- Application for a Ballot by Mail
- Solicitud de Boleta Postal
How do I apply for an Application for Ballot by Mail?
The application is available to download as a fillable form:
- Application for a Ballot by Mail
- Solicitud de Boleta Postal
Alternatively, it can be downloaded, completed by hand, and mailed to:
Early Voting Clerk
1103 S. Frio, Suite 200
San Antonio, Texas 78207-6328
Please complete and return your application no later than 11 days prior to the election for which the ballot is being requested.
Any ABBM sent to the Elections Department is required to have an original hand signature to be kept on file.
Electronic signatures CAN NOT be accepted.
Additionally, the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) is applicable for military and overseas voters. These voters will not use the ABBM forms. The FPCA can be found on FVAP.gov.
When can a qualified voter submit their Annual Ballot by Mail (ABBM) application?
Voters may begin to submit Annual Ballot by Mail (ABBM) on or after January 1 of the calendar year in which the voter wishes to receive ballots. [§ 86.0015]
How long is the Annual ABBM valid?
The Annual ABBM is valid from the time the early voting clerk receives it until the end of the calendar year or until the voter submits a change in registration information. Thus, the Annual ABBM expires on December 31 of the current year, regardless of when the voter submitted the application to the early voting clerk. [§ 86.0015(b)]
Is the Annual ABBM sufficient for all elections in which the voter is eligible to vote?
Yes. The voter will receive a ballot as long as they qualify for the proceeding election.
How will I receive my ballot?
Once a completed ABBM or FPCA is received and processed, a paper ballot will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on file.
How soon must I return my ballot
Any ballots returned must be postmarked no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you are mailing your ballot from outside the United States, your ballot must be delivered to the Elections Department no later than five days after Election Day.
Why did I have to indicate party preference on my Application for a Ballot by Mail (ABBM)?
Because a voter cannot participate in both parties' primary elections, a voter MUST indicate, when voting by mail, their party preference to ensure they receive the correct ballot style.
Where do I select the party of my choice?
In Section 4 of the Application to Vote by Mail under the Primary Election section.
What types of elections are there?
There are three basic types -- primary, general and local. In addition, "special elections" can be called which are limited to one specific purpose, e.g., filling a vacancy.
What is a primary election?
There are two types of primary elections. In a Presidential primary election, voters registered with a political party select the candidate who will represent that party on the ballot in the next general election in November. In its statewide primary, California now has a Top Two Open Primary system, which means that all candidates running for state constitutional, U.S. Congressional, and state legislative offices will be listed on a single statewide primary election ballot. Voters can vote for the candidate of their choice for these offices, regardless of how they are registered. The top two candidates, as determined by the voters, will advance to the general election in November.
In a Presidential primary election, if you are registered to vote with a political party, you will be given a ballot for that party. Each political party has the option of allowing decline-to-state voters to vote in their Presidential primary. Find out how to vote for President based on your party affiliation.
When are primary elections held?
The statewide primary is held in June of even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday. The California Legislature sets the Presidential primary date.
What is a general election?
The general election is one that is held in the whole state and is not limited to voters in a particular party or a specific locality.
When are general elections held?
The statewide general election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years. The general election for the President is held quadrennially on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November.
What is the purpose of a general election?
The purpose of a Presidential general election is to make a final choice among the various candidates who have been nominated by parties or who are running as independent or write-in candidates. In addition, where nonpartisan races have not been decided in the primary, the runoffs are held at the general election. The purpose of the statewide general election for given state and congressional offices is for voters to make a final choice between the top two-vote getters in the statewide primary election. Statewide measures also can be placed on the November ballot.
What is a nonpartisan office?
It is an office for which candidates' names appear on the ballot without party designation. No party may nominate a candidate for nonpartisan office.
Which offices are nonpartisan?
Local offices such as most city council members, county supervisors, all school boards, all judgeships, including the statewide office of member of the California Supreme Court. The statewide offices of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner are nonpartisan.
Are there nonpartisan primaries?
Yes. Some local nonpartisan primaries such as those for judges are usually held at the same time as the statewide regular primary. A candidate for a nonpartisan office who is on the primary ballot is selected if he or she wins more than 50% of the vote. If not, there is a runoff election in November between the top two candidates.
Do all nonpartisan offices use primaries?
No, some nonpartisan offices, such as most city councils and school boards, do not use primaries. Candidates run as independents and the person with the most votes wins even if it is not a majority.
When are local elections held and how do I learn about them?
There is no set time or method that applies to all city, county, school or special district elections. If you are a registered voter you will receive a Sample Ballot before the election. This provides basic information you need about who is running for what office and whether there are any local ballot measures. Most local offices are nonpartisan and candidates run without party affiliation noted on the ballot. You can always check VotersEdge.org for more information about your local elections.