As the countdown to Election Day begins, registered voters in Santa Barbara County are gearing up to cast their ballots in the upcoming primary on Tuesday, March 5. With a plethora of offices up for grabs, including positions ranging from U.S. President, Senator, and Representative to state Senator, Assemblymember, judges, supervisors, and party county committees, voters have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of their community and country.
For those who haven’t checked their mailboxes recently, now is the time to do so, as ballots for the upcoming election are already on their way. Once filled out, signed, and dated, mail-in ballots can be conveniently returned via mailbox by Election Day, March 5. Additionally, drive-up and walk-up drop boxes are available in 30 locations across Santa Barbara County, open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, providing voters with flexible options for submitting their ballots .A complete list of drop box locations can be found on the county’s election website.
Given that 2024 is a presidential election year, California ballots are printed based on a voter’s party affiliation. Furthermore, ballots vary by the geography of county supervisorial districts, with seats in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Districts up for election this year. These factors determine which “party county committee” group voters will see on their ballot, as committee members are drawn from supervisor districts and by party affiliation.
Julie Bischoff of the Republican Central Committee for the county explained that the number of committee members is determined by the ballots cast in the last governor’s race, with the committee primarily responsible for fielding candidates for open seats. Similarly, Darcél Elliott, chair of the county Democratic Party, highlighted the committee’s role as the governing body for the group, responsible for making endorsements, managing the budget, and electing delegates to the state convention.
In addition to receiving a mailed Voter Guide and Sample Ballot booklet, voters can also access in-person voting options at precinct stations equipped with an “ICX Ballot Marking Device” that generates a paper ballot. While California does not require identification at the voting booth, first-time voters who failed to include identification information on their registration form may need to provide ID when voting in person.
Although the deadline to register for the March election has passed, those who missed it can still cast a provisional ballot through Election Day. Looking ahead, the presidential election on November 5 looms large, with the deadline to register for this pivotal event set for October 21. For further information and resources, voters are encouraged to visit the state’s and county’s election and voter information pages.
As Election Day approaches, the democratic process is in full swing in Santa Barbara County, with voters poised to exercise their right to make their voices heard and shape the future of their community and nation.