Comments on voting in California

[EndlessWire]

Cross posted in GD. Took me awhile to discover this group!

I am determined to vote in California. It's all I have to fight against fascism.

I am a bit "under the weather" at the moment, and now concede that I will need help getting to the polls, and perhaps waiting in a line to vote. However, fortune has smiled upon me, and I have a relative to support me! So, I am lucky.

I started the process of lining my ducks up in a row for the big event (a really BIG event in the history of my country.) I discovered that I was listed as "inactive." I don't know why, but the fix was as easy as checking a box. They did not send me a mail ballot, but I am still back in action.

Next, I made a list of possible polling places. I now know where everybody will be on Nov. 8th. But also, early voting places starting on the 5th. Also, ballot drop off boxes.

I also discovered that here in California there is a process called RAVBM. This is where you can sign up for it, and print out your ballot at home, and thus fill it out at home. You still have to take it to a polling place, but for someone like me, this is half the battle. It's very much like an absentee ballot, except that they never sent me a ballot, and so this is important for me.

Next, in California you can have a relative drop your ballot off at a polling place for you. A "designated bearer" can do it, except that I didn't find out who that can be, and if that just means my relative. Plus, is any documentation needed. I specifically am thinking of someone in another state who got in trouble for dropping off nonrelated votes. That's considered stuffing the voting. That's not a cheat I would ever do, nor would you.

The other aspect of my voting has to do with voter IDs. Here in California you just need to have something with your name and address on it. My driver's license is active, but I do not have a currently dated one. But, this is also not an obstacle, because I can either present an acceptable form of ID, OR I can ask for a provisional ballot.

So, anyway you look at it, I am a registered voter out to exercise my voting rights on behalf of my country. One way or another, I will get to participate in this hugely important election.

[Mr.Bill]

1. I think first-time voters have to show some sort of photo ID.

Even a Costco membership card is on the list of acceptable photo IDs, or at least it was when I was working at the polls.

I've been voting since 1972 in California, always in person until I recently went to voting by mail. I have never been asked for an ID.

[JohnSJ]

2. Great!. The designated bearer, does have to sign and date as such also. California goes out of

there way to see that everyone who wants to vote, can.

The danger in California is that some believe it is a solid blue state, and while as a whole that is true, there are sections that aren't, and because we are such a large state, with a lot of House seats, it is critical all Democrats and progressives get out and vote, and not take anything for granted.

Also, there are also some critical propositions on the ballot