On October 5, the San Mateo County Elections Office will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters in the County. Here are a few helpful tips to assist you in making your voice heard:

• Sign up for ballot tracking: This Secretary of State program will alert you when your ballot is mailed to you, received by the Elections Office, and when it was counted. 
• First time voting by mail and nervous about doing it right? The Elections Office includes clear instructions with your ballot, but you can also download the Three Easy Steps to Vote by Mail. 
• Finished voting? Drop your ballot in one of the two 24/7 outdoor ballot drop boxes in Menlo Park: 

1. City Hall – 701 Laurel St. (between the Police lobby and City Hall doors) 
2. Onetta Harris Community Center – 100 Terminal Ave. (curbside) 

• Want to vote in person? In person voting will also begin October 5. The following three Vote Centers will be open beginning October 5, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

1. Redwood City Assessor County Clerk-Recorder – 555 County Center, Redwood City 
2. San Mateo County Elections Office – 40 Tower Road, San Mateo 
3. South San Francisco Main Library – 840 West Orange Ave., South San Francisco 

Over 40 additional Vote Centers will open October 31, including the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Onetta Harris Community Center and the Residence Inn Hotel in Menlo Park. You can vote at any of the Voting Centers. View the full list of San Mateo County Vote Centers.

If you have any questions about voting, please contact City Clerk Judi Herren.