California voters living 50 or more miles from six regional mail processing facilities risk having their November 4 ballots go uncounted due to U.S. Postal Service changes, state officials warned Oct 2.

Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber held a press conference to remind Californians of their voting rights and encourage early ballot submission.

“Recent changes in the U.S. Postal mail service mean that your ballot may not be counted if you drop it off at a post office on Election Day,” said Bonta. “If you choose to drop off your ballot at a post office on Election Day, ask at the counter for a postmark to ensure you get credit for mailing your ballot on time. And remember, you have other options, like dropping your ballot off at a vote center or in a secure drop box.”

The affected facilities are in Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, San Diego, Santa Clarita, Richmond, and West Sacramento. Communities impacted include Bakersfield, the Central Valley, the Central Coast, and Palm Springs. In these areas, mail dropped on Election Day may not be postmarked until the following day, rendering ballots ineligible for counting.

Weber emphasized that voters have multiple options for ensuring their ballots are counted. “Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to all active registered voters no later than October 6, 2025, and voters have several options for returning their completed ballot early,” she said. “Voters can contact their county elections office for information about vote centers, drop boxes, and their voting options. Voters can also track their ballot online. Every Californian has the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation, harassment, or coercion.”

Officials also urged voters to be cautious about election misinformation online. Bonta noted, “Our election laws provide the backbone for a free and fair election, and as California’s top law enforcement officer, I will do everything in my power to protect your right to vote.”

Ballots can be mailed, dropped at a secure ballot box starting Oct. 7, or delivered to a vote center on Election Day. Californians are encouraged to submit ballots early, particularly those living far from mail processing hubs, to ensure their votes are counted. Eligible voters have until October 20 to register online, with same-day in-person registration available at county election offices.

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Article by: Bo Tefu, California Black Media