Registered voters cast their ballots at official polling stations set up by the county’s Registrar of Voters office.  Polling place locations are chosen by how close it is to the voters being served, number of voters expected, building occupancy, parking availability, and disability access.  Polling stations are set up in community centers, government buildings, schools, public libraries, gymnasiums, and churches.

On Election Day, polling places open at 7:00 am.  The Registrar of Voters hires members of the community to work as inspectors and clerks on Election Day.  The inspector supervises the polling location while the clerks check in voters, hand out ballots, and assist those who need help.  The polls close at 8:00 pm, but those waiting in line at that time are still allowed to vote.  

San Joaquin County residents can cast their votes in several different ways.  To vote in person, eligible voters can go to their designated polling place, which is identified on the back cover of their sample ballot.  Registered voters whose name does not appear on the voter roster can vote using a provisional ballot.  The completed provisional ballot is placed in a special envelope and is counted once it is determined that the person is a registered voter who has not already voted.  

Voters, who cannot make it to their designated polling place, can request a vote-by-mail ballot (previously known as an absentee ballot) by mailing the card on the back of the sample ballot.  The completed vote-by-mail ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day.  Vote-by-mail ballot can be delivered in person to any polling location within the county on Election Day.