Imperial County vote centers opening this weekend

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial County residents who prefer to vote in person, have election questions, or still need to register to vote can soon do it all under one roof.

Starting this weekend, 13 vote centers will open across the Imperial Valley, offering local voters increased flexibility and assistance ahead of Election Day.

The vote centers will be fully staffed on weekends and weekdays to guide residents through the voting process, including individuals who missed prior registration deadlines.

Imperial County Registrar of Voters Linsey Dale emphasized that it is not too late for eligible residents to participate.

"Anyone can register to vote, even up to Election Day," Dale said. "You would be a conditional voter, and so you would vote a conditional ballot, but it's still the same ballot that would've been mailed to you had you registered earlier. It's just a little different process. You may have to fill out a little bit more paperwork to do the registration, but anyone can still vote even if they’re not registered as of today."

Local leaders are encouraging all valley residents to make a plan and cast their ballots early to assist election workers with processing.

"They just need to take themselves and get out and vote. That's the most important thing," Dale added. "We want everyone, every eligible voter, to get out and vote. We've mailed ballots to you at home. If you'd rather vote in person, and we did not receive your ballot, please go to a vote center and cast your ballot. I encourage everyone to get out and vote early. It does help us in processing ballots, and it allows us an opportunity to process those ballots before Election Day, and that way we can get the results out to you much quicker."

In addition to voting in person, residents can drop off their completed mail-in ballots at any designated drop box located throughout Imperial County. These drop boxes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Vote Center Hours of Operation:

• Saturday through the day before Election Day: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Election Day: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For a comprehensive list of all 13 vote center locations and official mail ballot drop boxes in the area, visit the county website.