California Secretary of State Shirley Weber called on people to vote early in the special election on November 4 and to do so at any polling place. She especially asked ethnic communities not to give up their voting power.

“You must participate in every election to have a voice and influence your life and the lives of your children. Make sure your voice is heard. “Listen,” he said during the 2025 Special Election – Ballot Security, Voter Registration, and Voting Options video conference hosted by American Community Media (ACoM). “If for any reason you want to go to the post office, and it’s Election Day, make sure you get in there and get your ballot stamped so it can be counted.” He noted that they don’t want anyone to just throw their ballot in the mailbox like they used to. “The Postal Service has reported that it may not be counted in certain areas. So make sure it’s postmarked by November 4th.” He stated that as of Monday, October 20th, two million people had already mailed their ballots. “October 20th was the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election, but if you missed the deadline, you can still register and vote on Election Day by a provisional ballot.”

He said that initially, this ballot will not be counted until they have a chance to review the registration documentation and ensure that all the information necessary to be eligible to vote in California is correct.

“Once this is done, your ballot will be counted after the others, but it will be added to the count and will influence the election.”

He specified that the November 4 elections are easy elections, with only one answer: yes or no.

“As a result, most people can do so quickly because everyone registered to vote receives a ballot in the mail.”

He said they can deposit their ballots in the specially created ballot drop boxes.

“They are secure drop boxes that no one can open without a key, and they will be taken on Election Day to be validated.”

He indicated that they obviously also have the option of going to the polling place and depositing their ballot there.

“In fact, they can vote in person, sign, and return the ballot. Some people love the experience of voting, and they like to take their children. That's great.”

He simply asked not to wait too long because things can happen on Election Day.

“Remember, you can go to the polls and vote in person.”

If you have any questions, you can call the hotline at 800-345-vote.

“Our people are trained to be patient and answer any questions you may have, and if we want everyone to go to the website, we will be removing all of our help line people.”

She emphasized that if they have made a mistake, such as marking something incorrectly, they have the right to get a new ballot.

“Don’t try to erase anything. Just ask for a new ballot. We will give you another one.”

She said they also have the right to assistance when casting their vote.

“By law, the only people who can’t help you are your employer or your union representative. We want to make sure that your decision to vote isn’t influenced by your workplace or those kinds of circumstances.”

She emphasized that you can now return that ballot to any polling place in California, because the database is statewide.

But you can also get election materials in nine languages, in addition to English.

“If you want to request a ballot in your native language, you can do so. We’re constantly working to expand the number of languages ??available.”

In addition, she affirmed, you have the right to ask questions of elected officials about election procedures and to observe the elections.

If you have time and have concerns, you can go to your polling place, to your voter registrar, and request to see the election and the counting of the ballots.

“So you have the right to ask questions and to observe. You also have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity to an election official or the Secretary of State’s office.”

He indicated that they don’t want anyone to feel intimidated or prevented from voting in California, and that’s why they are working hard with all of them.

“That’s why we tell everyone that if they haven’t received their ballot in the mail, they should contact our office, as they should have received it at least by October 6.”

The secretary said that once you've voted, you can go to the Secretary of State's website to check where your ballot is.

The message to voters

The secretary of state said that every election has consequences, and often people don't go out to vote in special elections because they don't think it affects them.

“A state election affects everyone, our budget, the policies we implement, and our actions.”

She said that when she was a child, her home was a polling place in Los Angeles, and she grew up watching people vote and witnessing every election.

“There’s no point in being silent during certain times of the year. Speak up every election. It’s critical that people make decisions about their lives, and it’s not just those who live across the street. This is everyone’s choice. So I tell people: don’t give up your power. Don’t give up your voice.”

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