SM.art column: Vote – SM Mirror

In a polarized country or city, every vote counts. No matter which side of an issue or candidate you support, your position will only prevail if enough of you and your supporters actually vote. Luckily, voting in California is very easy.

REGISTRATION

If you are already registered, you most likely have already received your ballot in the mail by the time you read this. If you are not yet registered, you still have time to meet the registration deadline of Monday, October 21st by going to https://registertovote.ca.gov/. All you need is an online registration or a personal registration

1. Your California driver's license or California ID card number

2. The last 4 digits of your social security number

3. Your date of birth

If you are unsure about your voter registration status, go to: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ to find your current status.

If you register or re-register LESS than 15 days before the November 5 election, you must complete the voter registration process that same day and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling place. Registration and voting locations can be found in the list below.

CHOOSE

In-person voting begins Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m

However, on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m

Before you submit or mail your ballot

1. Place your ballot in the official return envelope

2. Seal the official return envelope securely

3. Sign and date the back of the official return envelope

There are three ways to actually return your completed ballot.

1. By post (remember no postage is required)

2. At any participating 24-hour mail-in ballot box. These are accessible, well-lit locations with relatively easy parking/drop-off:

• Montana Avenue Library 1704 Montana Avenue
• Santa Monica Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd
• Virginia Avenue Park 2200 Virginia Avenue
• Marine Park 1406 Marine Street
• Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way

3. At any LA County vote center (you can also register in person here)

Open from October 26th to November 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 5th)

• Civic Center Parking Garage, 2nd Floor, 330 Olympic Drive
• Oakwood Recreation Center 767 California Ave, Venice

Open November 2nd to 4th from 10am to 7pm (November 5th from 7pm to 8pm)

• Joslyn Park 633 Kensington
• 1501 Lincoln Middle School, California
• Santa Monica College 1900 Pico
• Marine Park 1406 Marine St
• Washington Preschool 2802 4th Street

DEADLINE

All mailed ballots must be postmarked by NOVEMBER 5 and received by the County Registrar/Recorder within 7 days (November 12) of the election. You can track the progress of your mailed ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/.

There are many other details that may be required for voting (substitute ballot, missing ballot in the mail, mobility access issues, etc. etc.). For more help with voting, visit https://www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections/current-elections/find-my-election-information.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Everyone should vote for who or what initiative they believe will best serve our city. Some issues are complex and nuanced and require additional voter research to provide informed information about what actually is the best choice. Take the time to read or discuss with your friends or family the ones where there is mutual validity. SM.art believes that we recommend Phil Brock, Oscar De La Torre, John Putnam and Vivian Roknian for City Council.

Regardless of what you think of a candidate or proposal, voting is both a right and a privilege. So be sure to take full advantage of it.

SMart Santa Monica Architects for a responsible future
Thane Roberts, Architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect and Building and Fire Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin, Architect and Planning Officer, Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE Marie Standing. Jack Hillbrand AIA Previous articles can be found at www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing