County starts mailing June Primary ballots

County elections officials have started mailing ballots to California voters serving in the armed forces or living abroad.

California military and overseas voters — known federally as “special absentee voters” — may use a Federal Post Card Application to register to vote and request a ballot simultaneously. California law also allows special absentee voters to request ballots from and return them to county elections officials by fax. Military and overseas voters generally vote on a simplified ballot that allows them to write in their preferred candidates and offices sought, and yes or no votes on propositions.

To download a copy of the Federal Post Card Application and access information and resources, go to www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_mov.htm. This one-stop shop for military and overseas voters includes a portal to county elections offices, a step-by-step guide on how to register and vote, and links to common questions and answers from the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

The state also offers an email address that links military and overseas voters to staff who can offer additional assistance: mov@sos.ca.gov.

The last day to register to vote in the June 5 primary election is May 21. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is May 29.

For the full calendar, lists of candidates, ballot measures, voter registration data, primary election rules, and more, go to www.sos.ca.gov/elections/2012-elections/june-primary.