October 27th 2024.
As the Nov. 5 general election draws nearer, early vote centers have opened in several Bay Area counties, including Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. This gives voters the opportunity to cast their ballots in person, and many are taking advantage of this option.
Yolanda Ayala, a resident of Oakland, was worried that her ballot had not yet arrived at her home. So, she decided to head to a vote center at Oakland Tech High School on Saturday, accompanied by her friend Corinne DeLiso. On the other hand, DeLiso plans to complete her ballot at home, giving her time to thoroughly research local and statewide measures before dropping it off at a secure drop box. She prefers this method instead of sending it through the traditional mail.
Despite their different voting methods, both women, who are in their 70s, agree on the importance of voting. "It's only one vote, but it's important," DeLiso said. "We can't complain if we haven't participated. And if we do like how things are going, we should vote to show our support."
Thanks to the Voter's Choice Act of 2016, dozens of early vote centers have opened, providing greater flexibility for voters. This law allows for both vote-by-mail and early in-person voting, giving voters the option to cast their ballots at any voting site in their county. It also provides secure drop-off locations in addition to vote centers.
The California Secretary of State has urged voters not to wait and to make their voices heard. Early vote centers are also available in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz counties, ensuring that more people have access to this convenient voting option.
More vote centers will open on Nov. 2, with all election sites operating daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Election Day, when they will have extended hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., as stated on the California Secretary of State's website.
Throughout this election season, thousands of Californians have volunteered at vote centers. Their responsibilities include setting up and closing poll stations, ensuring the safety of ballots and voting equipment, and assisting voters in understanding their rights.
Maurice Martin, a 67-year-old volunteer at Oakland Tech High School, is just one of the many dedicated individuals manning vote centers in the Bay Area. He will be there from early morning until evening on Election Day. "I can't just sit on the bench. I have to suit up and get on the field," Martin said. He has been volunteering at the polls for years because he believes in the importance of this work.
As a U.S. Army veteran, Martin has witnessed significant changes in the country throughout his lifetime. He was involved in the Civil Rights movement as a child, served in the military for many years, and saw crises like the AIDS epidemic impact communities. With all the turmoil in the world, he believes that staying civically engaged is one way to fight back. "I love participating in our democracy," Martin said. "I'm from the South, and we take voting seriously. We fought hard for it."
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