Mold Remediation in Sacramento, CA

How late is too late to drop off your California ballot?

Can you still get in line at 7:59 p.m. on Election Day?

By voting in the 2024 election, Californians can help choose the next president and vice president of the United States, elect U.S. senators and representatives and make their voices heard on a number of ballot propositions.

If you’re planning on taking your ballot to the polls on Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 5 — here’s what you need to know about the ballot deadline:

The 2024 general election is on Tuesday, March 5.

This election includes candidates for president, U.S. senators and representatives as well as local and state races and a ballot proposition.

Poll hours for Election Day in California:

On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.

According to California’s Voter Bill of Rights, you have the “right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close.”

“If a voter is in line to vote when the polls close they have the right to vote,” the California Secretary of State’s Office told The Sacramento Bee via email.

What is the latest time to get in line?

Be in line by 7:59 p.m.

“The lines will be cut off at 8 p.m.,” the California Secretary of State’s Office said.

How late can I mail in my ballot?

When mailing in your ballot, the California Secretary of State website says the ballot “must be postmarked on or before Election Day” and received no later than seven days after Election Day.

How late can I take my ballot to a drop-off location?

No later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, the website says.

You can take your mail-in ballot to a drop box or a voting center.

You can find your nearest location on the California Secretary of State’s website.

Ask the California Service Journalism Team

You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below. We have reporters covering Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.

Eligible to vote in California? Check.

In line by the time the polls close? Check.

If you still run into problems while trying to vote in the 2024 presidential election, here’s what to do.

The Sacramento Bee consulted the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to understand the laws surrounding casting a ballot and steps to take to get your vote counted.

Here’s what we found:

If you’re eligible to vote and in line by the time the polls close, you can not be turned away.

Under California law, residents must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. If you’re not, you can still cast a ballot and your eligibility will be verified before it’s counted.

If you get to the polls and your name is not on the list of registered voters, ask for a provisional ballot.

According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, registered voters have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if they’re not on the registration list or if their voter eligibility is challenged by an election official.

A provisional ballot is often referred to as “fail safe voting,” allowing officials to verify voter eligibility and for people to cast a ballot without being turned away.

Your vote will be counted once elections officials verify you’re registered to vote in that county and have not already cast a ballot in that election.

Yes.

California offers same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration, for people who missed the Oct. 21 deadline.

If you’re an eligible voter, you can register to vote and cast a provisional ballot at your nearest polling place on Election Day. Just be in line before the polls close and be prepared to fill out a registration form.

You do not have to bring identification to register at the polls, a representative with the California Secretary of State confirmed.

After you fill out the registration form and cast a provisional ballot, the county will complete and verify your registration. Only then will the vote be counted.

Voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, according to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights.

Any eligible voter waiting in line to vote when the polls close has the right to cast a ballot.

Mail ballots must be dropped off at the polls by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Be in line by 7:59 p.m., according to a previous Bee story.

When mailing ballots, remember they must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than seven days after Election Day, according to the California Secretary of State.

According to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights, you’re eligible to vote in California if:

The Voter Bill of Rights says you have the right to do the following in California as a registered voter:

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. —

Just a day before Election Day, several California voters still have questions about their ballots.

KCRA has received several inquiries, notably about missing ballots or issues with voting after a recent move. We took those questions to Sacramento County elections officials. Here's what to know.

Q: What do I do if I don’t get my ballot?

Sacramento County Elections: “If you have not received your ballot yet it’s not too late. You can pop by any of the 88 vote centers that we have open throughout the county, and just go to the election workers there and let them know that you need a ballot. They will print one out for you and you can vote your ballot there.”

Q: What if I moved to another state and voted there, but still received a ballot from my former state? What do I do with the second ballot?

Sacramento County Elections: “Election mail isn’t forwardable so the US Postal Service should not be forwarding your ballot to a new address. That probably shouldn’t happen. If for some reason, it does happen, just remember you only get one vote, it’s one vote nationwide, this is a national election if you’ve already cast a ballot and don’t get to cast another.”

California Office of The Secretary of State: “The SOS does work with states post-election to investigate any potential double voting.”

Recommended

Interactive Map: Track early vote turnout by state

Q: What if I live in Sacramento County, but I’m registered in another county, how can I vote where I live?

Sacramento County Elections: “Sacramento County offers remote accessible vote by mail to deliver ballots electronically to voters. Those ballots can be marked and printed and returned to the elections office via mail or ballot drop box.”

Remember, while vote centers close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, if you’re in line by that time, you will still be allowed to cast your vote.

For more information about the November election, including key issues and other races on the ballot, check out the KCRA 3 Voter Guide.

Find more political news from our national team here.

North Sacramento, CA (November 5, 2024) – A pedestrian accident involving two individuals occurred early Tuesday morning at the intersection of Wright St and Wyda Way in the North Sacramento area. Emergency responders, including local paramedics and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, promptly arrived on the scene to provide aid and assess the injuries sustained by the pedestrians.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received the first report of the incident at approximately 7:33 a.m. Initial details indicated that a vehicle struck two pedestrians in what was initially classified as a serious collision. By 7:57 a.m., CHP confirmed the accident involved minor injuries to both individuals. Reports suggest that one of the pedestrians may have been a juvenile, as a woman at the scene reported that her son was involved in the collision.

While the circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation, authorities noted that both pedestrians received medical care at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities. No further details about the individuals’ conditions or identities have been released at this time.

CHP has opened an investigation to determine the factors contributing to the accident. The intersection was temporarily closed to traffic as officials worked to document the scene and collect evidence. Updates will be provided once additional information is available.

Our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families during this challenging time.

Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern across California, particularly in urban areas with high traffic volumes. According to recent data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), pedestrian-related incidents account for a significant portion of injuries and fatalities on California roads. Even at lower speeds, pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries due to the vulnerability of those on foot compared to vehicle occupants. Intersections, such as Wright St and Wyda Way, are especially prone to these types of accidents due to visibility issues, right-of-way misunderstandings, and driver distractions.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution and yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrians are also encouraged to remain vigilant, making eye contact with drivers when crossing and using designated crosswalks wherever possible. The safety of all road users is a shared responsibility, and accidents like this highlight the importance of awareness and adherence to traffic laws.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident, navigating the recovery process and understanding your rights can be overwhelming. Local Accident Reports provides the resources you need to make informed decisions and pursue the support you deserve. Reach out today for a comprehensive guide on your legal options and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.

North Sacramento, CA (November 4, 2024) – Emergency crews responded swiftly to a pedestrian accident that occurred on Sunday afternoon, leaving a 60-year-old individual with injuries. The incident took place around 2:52 p.m. near 4494 Mary Lynn Lane within the North Sacramento area.

Reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) North Sacramento division indicate that a vehicle struck the pedestrian within the vicinity of an apartment complex. Shortly after, fire and rescue units arrived at the scene to provide immediate medical attention. Emergency responders treated the pedestrian on-site before arranging further medical care. Additional details on the severity of the injuries sustained have yet to be released, but authorities have confirmed the individual is receiving necessary treatment.

The CHP North Sacramento division classified the accident as an “1181-Trfc Collision-Inj,” indicating a traffic collision with injuries. Initially logged as a more severe “1179” incident, the status was later updated as new information was assessed. Officials are currently investigating the circumstances of the crash, aiming to determine contributing factors.

Our thoughts are with the injured individual and their family during this challenging time.

Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian accidents are a significant safety concern in California, where dense urban areas and high traffic volumes increase the risk for those walking on or near roadways. According to recent state statistics, pedestrian incidents account for a considerable portion of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. In Sacramento alone, several high-risk areas consistently report pedestrian accidents due to increased foot traffic and busy intersections.

Several factors contribute to pedestrian-involved accidents, including driver distraction, failure to yield, and inadequate visibility in low-light conditions. Speeding is another major concern, as higher speeds greatly reduce the reaction time available to drivers when they encounter pedestrians. California law emphasizes the rights of pedestrians in designated areas, and both drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially in high-traffic zones.

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe or life-changing injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, which can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The financial and emotional impacts of these incidents are often profound, underlining the need for robust safety measures and awareness.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, understanding your rights and the support resources available can help ensure recovery. Legal consultations can be beneficial in understanding the complexities of accident cases and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Why face these challenges alone? Our support team is dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the aftermath with clarity and confidence. Access personalized assistance now—reach out to us online, and let’s take the first step toward your recovery journey.