May 2010 Vol. 13 No. 5

Get involved! Vote by mail!

This year, in June and again in November, Californians will make many critical decisions that affect our industry. Elections impact our wages, our benefits and our jobs. If you are not registered to vote, you can’t participate in the decision-making process. Even if you are registered, it doesn’t matter if you don’t get involved and cast your ballot.

In past surveys of UBC members, many members who didn’t vote said they didn’t have time to get to the polls. If you are working, you’re on the job by the time the polls open, and often have a long commute after work. There is an easy answer: vote by mail.

Voting by mail is easy. Ballots are mailed out, beginning 30 days before the election, and must be received by your county elections official anytime before 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Applying to vote by mail is also easy. You must apply in writing, and an application for a vote-by-mail ballot is included in the sample ballot that is sent to you prior to each election. If you can’t find your sample ballot, you can contact your county election office (check the front of the phone book for the number).

If you have internet access, look for the application and instructions at the California Elections and Voter Information website: Vote-by-Mail Application [PDF].

You still have to mail the application back to your county elections office, or deliver it in person. Look for the complete list online: California Elections and Voter Information - County Elections Offices.

When you apply, you can apply as a “permanent vote-by-mail” voter, which means your ballot will be mailed to you every election. However you apply, remember that your application to vote by mail must be received no later than June 1, 2010. Then your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on June 8, Election Day.

Remember, you can make a difference, but only if you get involved. Register and vote!

Back to Current Issue | Top of Page