Preparing for the 2018 mid-terms
Tami Jo Nix/The Madera Tribune A panel of Madera County residents, from left, Madera County Counsel Regina Garza, Chowchilla City Clerk Joann McClendon, Madera County Elections Manager Stephanie Sibley, Madera County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Rebecca Martinez, Susan Rowe of the Democratic Central Committee, Gina Wallace Republican Central Committee, Deputy Sheriff Darrin McMechan mark test ballots in preparation for the Consolidated General Election, Nov. 6.
The mid-term elections are rapidly approaching. The Madera County elections department mailed ballots to 56,310 registered voters on Oct. 9.
“Ballots for this Consolidated General Election must be returned before 8 p.m. on Nov. 6 to the county clerk’s office, 200 West 4th Street, a ballot drop box or one of the vote centers placed throughout Madera County,” said Rebecca Martinez, Madera County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters. “A new balloting system is being used for this election.“
The paper ballots are near twice the size of the cards issued in prior elections. The familiar “color-in-the-bubble,” system remains the same. Any color but red ink from common pens may be used to vote the ballot. There are candidates and ballot measures printed on both sides of the ballot.
Voters must fill out and sign the ballot envelopes before returning them for tabulation.
“Beginning with this election return postage will be provided on the return envelopes,” said Martinez.
Ballot drop boxes will be available 28 days prior to election day. The vote centers, exact locations to be announced, will be open for the 10 days prior to Nov.6 weekends included. Citizens may register to vote and cast their ballot at the same time.
Vote centers will be equipped with electronic balloting instruments to accommodate handicap voters or others who prefer the usage of the machines. The touch-screen balloting machines resemble a common electronic tablet, said Martinez.
