In a polarized country or City every vote counts. Regardless of which side of any issue or candidate you support, your viewpoint will not prevail unless enough of you and your supporters actually vote. Voting fortunately is very easy in California.
REGISTRATION
If you are already registered, most likely you will have already received your ballot in the mail by the time you read this. If you are not yet registered, you still have time to meet the registration deadline of Monday, October 21 by going to: https://registertovote.ca.gov/. At that online location or for any in-person registration all you need is
1. Your California Drivers License or California identification card number
2. Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
3. Your date of birth
If you are unsure of your voter registration status go to: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ to find your current status.
If you are registering or re-registering LESS than 15 days before the November 5 election you will need to complete the Same-Day Voter Registration process and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling locations. See list below for registration and voting locations.
VOTING
In person voting starts Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
However on election day Tuesday, November 5 the polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Before dropping off or mailing your ballot
1. Place your voted ballot card inside the official Return envelope
2. Securely seal the Official Return Envelope
3. Sign and date the back of the Official Return Envelope
There are 3 ways to actually return your completed ballot.
1. By Mail (remember no postage is necessary)
2. At any participating 24 hour vote by mail ballot box location. These are accessible, well lit, locations with relatively easy parking/drop off:
- Montana Avenue Library 1704 Montana Avenue
- Santa Monica Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd
- Virginia Avenue Park 2200 Virginia Avenue
- Marine Park 1406 Marine Street
- Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way
3. At any LA County vote Center (you can also register in person here)
Open October 26 -November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Nov 5)
- Civic Center parking Structure 2nd floor 330 Olympic Drive
- Oakwood Recreation Center 767 California Ave, Venice
Open November 2-November 4, 10 am to 7:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Nov 5)
- Joslyn Park 633 Kensington
- Lincoln Middle School 1501 California
- Santa Monica College 1900 Pico
- Marine Park 1406 Marine St
- Washington Preschool 2802 4th Street
DEADLINE
All mailed in ballots must be postmarked by NOVEMBER 5 and must be received by the County Registrar/ Recorder within 7 days (November 12) of the election. You can track the progress of your mailed in ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
There are many other details that may be necessary to vote (replacement ballots, not receiving ballot in the mail, mobility access issues etc.etc.). See https://www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections/current-elections/find-my-election-information for additional help voting.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Everyone should vote for who or what initiative they feel will serve our City the best. Some issues are complex and nuanced and will require additional voter research to become well informed as to what is actually the best choice. Take your time to read or to discuss with your friends or relatives the ones where there is validity on both sides. SM.a.r.t feels that for City Council we recommend the slate of Phil Brock, Oscar De La Torre, John Putnam, and Vivian Roknian.
But regardless of how you feel about any candidate or proposal, voting is both a right and privilege so be sure to take full advantage of it.
S.M.a.r.t Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Thane Roberts, Architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE Marie Standing. Jack Hillbrand AIA For previous articles see www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
