Sacramento is about to have its biggest election in years. How to make sure your vote counts

Local elections in Sacramento are approaching, and this year’s is considered the biggest in nearly a decade with positions in City Council, the district attorney and sheriff on the ballot.

The nomination period for many candidates ended this week, launching the official start to campaigning for several offices.

While local primaries don’t take place until June 7, it’s not too early for Sacramento voters to be informed about this year’s election and make a voting plan ahead of Election Day.

What’s special about this election?

Due to recent redistricting and some high-level officials not seeking reelection this year, there are several open seats on the Sacramento City Council and Board of Supervisors, as well as top positions like district attorney and sheriff, making it the city’s biggest election in years.

And this is the first time the redistricting process has occurred since 2010, which affects positions in the city council and which districts current and future members represent.

This year’s ballot may also include a measure to support Sacramento residents without housing and would require the city to create thousands of shelter beds and Safe Ground camping communities.

Voting guide

Here is some guidance on voter registration, where to vote, what to bring to polls and and how to stay informed on the candidates.

How to register to vote

If you aren’t registered to vote yet, it’s better to do so earlier than later. In California, voter applications are due 15 days before an election. For this primary on June 7, the deadline is May 23. The general election is Nov. 8, making the deadline Oct. 24.

You can either register to vote online or pick up a paper registration form at the county elections office, local library, DMV offices or the post office.

If you miss the 15 day mark, you can register for a provisional ballot in Sacramento County. It will be counted once your eligibility is confirmed.

Where to vote:

Voters in Sacramento can start casting their ballots 29 days before either the primaries or general election at the Elections Office. The Elections Office, 7000 65th Street, Suite A, is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ten days before an election, voters also have the opportunity to cast their ballots at a Vote Center near them. Vote Center locations for the June 7 primary elections have not been determined yet.

Alternatively, voters can mail in their ballots sent to them by the county. Ballots are sent to every eligible voter for each election. Keep in mind that in order for your vote to count, ballots must be received by the Elections Office within seven days after Nov. 8.

If the ballot sent to you has been destroyed or lost, you may request a new one at a Vote Center.

What to bring to polls:

For the most part, California does not require voters to show identification at polls. As long as you are registered and it isn’t your first time voting, you should be able to vote without bringing anything else.

For those voting for the first time and haven’t provided their driver’s license number or social security upon registration, poll workers may ask to see a form of identification, which can include a copy of a recent utility bill, passport or a student identification card that includes name and photo.

A complete list of acceptable forms of identification in California is available here.

Candidate info:

To figure out which candidates will appear on your ballot, use this tool from the county meant for registered Sacramento voters to confirm what district they live in. It is especially important to check now after the city’s recent redistricting, resulting in a new district map.

Nominations for Districts 3, 5, and 7 closed last Friday and are listed on the county website. District 1 candidates had until 4:30 p.m. March 16.

The district attorney election pits former local deputy attorney Alana Mathews and county prosecutor Thien Ho. Whoever wins this race will be the first person of color in the position. And for sheriff, Assemblyman Jim Cooper and Jim Barnes have announced candidacy for the top law enforcement position.

The Bee’s Theresa Clift contributed to this story.

This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 11:05 AM.