Santa Clara County residents urged to mail back ballots early

Residents across Santa Clara County are receiving their mail-in ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 election, and local election officials are urging them to vote early. Vote by mail packets are going out to more than 1 million active registered voters in Santa Clara County this week. To ensure all votes are counted, officials with the Registrar of Voters are asking residents to get a head start by either voting by mail or going to a voting center opening later this month. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked before or on Election Day, and county officials warn the U.S. Postal Service isn’t guaranteeing ballots will be dated the day they’re received. We highly recommend using an official drop box or send your ballot through the USPS at least a week in advance,” ROV spokesperson Michael Borja told San José Spotlight. “There may be delays, and we don t want those delays to make your vote invalid. Your vote is very important especially on a local level.” Registrar Matt Moreles said voting ear