Santa Cruz County officials prepare for November election

Santa Cruz County Clerk Tricia Webber is implementing measures to combat voter misinformation and rebuild public trust ahead of the November 3 general election. Webber noted an increase in voter anxiety regarding ballot security and mail-in procedures, following recent federal political developments and Supreme Court rulings.

To address these concerns, officials confirmed that the vote-by-mail process remains unchanged. Approximately 172,000 ballots are scheduled to enter the mail stream starting October 2. Voters have multiple options for casting their ballots, including mail, ballot drop boxes, or in-person at various Vote Centers.

Webber highlighted the option of using a ‘naked ballot’—a ballot filled out at home but brought to a vote center without its return envelope—which allows for faster processing and inclusion in election-night results. Early in-person voting begins October 5 at several locations, including the County Clerk/Elections Department in Santa Cruz and the Watsonville City Clerk’s Office, with a total of 23 Vote Centers expected to be operational by Election Day.