County Requests Vote-By-Mail Option

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Supervisors are asking the legislature and Governor to give counties the ability to conduct special elections entirely by mail.

63 percent of Tuolumne County voters already choose to vote by mail only. Conducting elections entirely by mail would save approximately 30 percent in state and county costs, according to a memo from County Clerk Debi Russell.

The request is for special elections only, and not general elections. Special elections are needed when a county or state official resigns and the position needs to be filled, or there is a recall election. For example, neighboring Calaveras County had to participate in a special election this year to fill the seat of the late Senator Dave Cox.

The Board’s letter of request was approved with a 5-0 vote. Numerous counties across California are submitting similar letters in hopes of state action.