Vote-By-Mail

What is the process?

No Need to Apply for Vote-By-Mail Ballot

  • All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for all elections. No application is needed.
  • The last day to register to vote is 15 days prior to Election Day.
  • Official ballots will be mailed to all active registered voters no later than 29 days prior to each election, and within 5 days for voters who register after the initial mailing and by the registration deadline.
  • The last day the elections office can mail ballots to voters is 7 days prior to each election. After this date, voters must visit our office to receive and vote a replacement ballot, or they can authorize a representative to obtain and deliver a ballot to them.

Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot

In order for a ballot to be counted it must be:

  • Postmarked before or on Election Day and be received in the Clerk-Recorder’s office no later than 7 days after Election Day

  • Returned by the voter personally to any official ballot drop box, polling place, or Vote Center in the state by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day

  • Returned to the County Clerk-Recorder's office no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day

The voter may authorize another individual to return their voted ballot. This authorization is located on the vote-by-mail ballot envelope.   

Register to Track Your Ballot

San Luis Obispo County voters can subscribe to receive automated alerts regarding the status of their ballot. Where's My Ballot? allows voters to determine how they want to be notified and provides updates on when ballots are mailed, received, counted, and if there are any issues.

How to check your voter status

To determine your voter status, please use the Voter Status Lookup.

Who can use this service?

Any registered voter in San Luis Obispo County.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available anytime throughout the year at the Clerk-Recorder office in San Luis Obispo during regular business hours except during County-observed holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions