The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office is offering early in-person voting for the upcoming June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election. The office will be open on Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, providing a convenient option for local voters.

Streamlined Voting Process

Voters who choose to vote in person at the Elections Office can have their signatures verified on the spot, allowing them to cast their ballots without the need for a return envelope. This new process aims to streamline voter eligibility confirmation and expedite the counting of ballots cast at the office.

Previously, ballots cast at the Elections Office required a sealed and signed return envelope, which needed to be scanned and verified before processing. The new system ensures that ballots cast in person will be counted on Election Night, aligning them with those cast at polling places.

Adapting to New Legislation

The change comes in response to a new law effective January 1, 2026, mandating that most mail ballots be processed and counted within 13 days of the election. This adjustment addresses past bottlenecks in the official canvass, particularly when over 90 percent of local voters use mail ballots.

Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano emphasized that voters still have the same options as before, including using official drop boxes or exchanging mail ballots for precinct ballots at polling locations on Election Day. The Saturday hours and early voting option aim to encourage more voters to participate ahead of the election deadline.

Voters are encouraged to bring their mail ballots if they wish to vote at the Elections Office, although it is not required. Staff can void the mail ballot and issue a replacement on-site.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.