Anybody may return your voted Vote-by-Mail ballot. The envelope must be signed in the specified location, by the voter, and the authorized individual must also sign the envelope in the space provided. Voted ballots are to be returned by any normal Vote-by-Mail return method (in person at our office, one of the 6 drop boxes, or at any of the 4 Vote Centers)  during operating hours.

San Benito County Elections has technology called a Multilingual Virtual Pollworker (MVP) available at every Vote Center to assist voters who need services in a language other than English. This service provides live interpretation using video conferencing in 34 languages and American Sign Language (ASL).It also provides interpretation by phone in over 200 languages, including Native American dialects.

Any voter who cannot reach the voting area at the Vote Center because of architectural barriers or physical limitations may request to vote “curbside” (outside of the Vote Center location). There is a sign posted outside of every Vote Center with a number to call an Election Worker who will bring a ballot to the voter, assist the voter if necessary and place the voter’s ballot in the ballot box.

A Remote Accessible Vote by Mail (RAVBM) system allows voters to mark their selections using their own compatible technology to vote independently and privately in the comfort of their own home. To use a RAVBM system, a voter must:

• A voter can request an RAVBM when they review their information on My Voter Status, by calling (toll-free) 877-777-4017, or emailing sbcvotes@cosb.us.

• Log into the provided RAVBM website, which is compatible with screen readers

• Mark their selections electronically on the RAVBM website

• Download their marked ballot and instructions to their own device

• Print their marked ballot and instructions using their own printer

• Sign the ballot return envelope (using the envelope provided with the paper vote-by-mail ballot or the voter’s own envelope)

• Return the RAVBM ballot (in a signed envelope) by mail, by dropping it off at a voting location, or by putting it in an official ballot drop box. The selections cannot be returned electronically.

The Elections Department strives to provide Vote Centers that are accessible to the elderly and voters with disabilities. If a Vote Center is not accessible, call (877) 777-4017 to report the issue and to receive information on alternative methods of voting.

If you are unable to sign your name, you can make a mark or use a signature stamp. Your mark should be simple. Many voters use an “X” as their mark.

Instead of an ”X,” you can use a signature stamp. But before you can use a stamp to vote, you must:
(1) Register to vote in-person at your County Elections Offices, using the stamp to sign the voter registration affidavit in the presence of an election official in your county; or
(2) Register to vote online after you’ve used a signature stamp that the Department of Motor Vehicles has approved and sent to the Secretary of State.

Next to your mark or signature stamp, have a “witness” write your name. Then have the witness sign their own name in the witness section below the voter's signature line. Your witness should be 18 years or older. Many voters use a family member or friend as a witness.

For more information, view the Disability Rights California page:  You Can Vote Even if You Can't Sign Your Name

Medical emergencies can occur and it's something you can't plan for. Our elections department strives to do everything possible to help the voter be able to still cast their vote. A replacement Voting Kit can be mailed to your home or rehabilitation center, in-person Voting Kit delivery, or curbside voting are different methods the elections department uses to assist voters who experience medical emergencies.

For more information visit Disability Rights California's page: How Can I Vote If I Cannot Vote in Person Because of a Medical Emergency?

Voters may request to have a Vote by Mail paper ballot personally delivered to their home at a convenient time by Elections department staff, who will assist them in marking and returning the ballot. To request a Voting Kit delivery, please call (831) 636-4016.