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AP19:085

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2019
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

Secretary of State, County Elections Officials Working to Mitigate Impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs on 2019 California Elections

SACRAMENTO, CA — Secretary of State Alex Padilla is working with county elections officials and electrical utilities to mitigate the impact of “public safety power shutoffs” and wildfires on upcoming elections in local jurisdictions across the state.

“Our elections must not be overlooked as California grapples with power shutoffs during wildfire season,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “We are working with county elections officials throughout the state to ensure the necessary procedures are in place for voters to be able to cast ballots, even during power shutoffs. California utilities also have a responsibility to work with elections officials so that voters are not disenfranchised as a result of any power shutoffs.”

On November 5, the Assembly District 1 Special General Election and other local elections will be held in 32 counties.

The Secretary of State advises each county to develop contingency plans ahead of every election to prepare for potential disasters, including power outages. Secretary Padilla has advised county elections to evaluate their emergency plans to ensure they consider the potential impact of power shutoffs on early voting and election day operations.

Voters are encouraged to consider voting by mail or voting early, where available. Every vote-by-mail ballot comes with a postage paid return envelope. Completed vote-by-mail ballots may be returned by mail or returned to any voting location.

Citizens with questions about how voting may be impacted by power shutoffs should contact their county elections office or the Secretary of State’s voter hotline at 1-800-345-VOTE (8683).

For more information on Assembly District 1 Special Election: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/2019-ad1/

For more information on county administered elections: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/county-administered-elections/

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