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"content": "\n\u003cp>When it started, Bradford and Ophelia only had a few cats. But others soon appeared.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The couple, who have lived together at a West Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">homeless\u003c/a> encampment for the last three years, bottle-fed the strays who wandered in and administered medicine to them when they were sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102848\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102848\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams prepares vaccines on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams tries to gain the trust of a dog she is about to vaccinate on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Losing touch with family is a common source of trauma for unhoused people, and pets can help fill the gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Alfonso is the only person who ever said to us, ‘Get away from my dogs,’” McAdam told her volunteers during a weekly outreach meeting. As a result, she tries to give him space to avoid making him feel encroached upon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Julian Standley and Claudia Glasper pose with their dogs, Benji and Sassy, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102837\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdam’s van is packed with supplies for pet owners on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102844\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HAPI member, Jane Esposito, organizes vaccination records while her coworkers vaccinate a dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102842\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Volunteers providing weekly mobile veterinary care help build trust with the East Bay city’s unhoused pet owners.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>When it started, Bradford and Ophelia only had a few cats. But others soon appeared.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The couple, who have lived together at a West Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">homeless\u003c/a> encampment for the last three years, bottle-fed the strays who wandered in and administered medicine to them when they were sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102848\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102848\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams prepares vaccines on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams tries to gain the trust of a dog she is about to vaccinate on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Losing touch with family is a common source of trauma for unhoused people, and pets can help fill the gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Alfonso is the only person who ever said to us, ‘Get away from my dogs,’” McAdam told her volunteers during a weekly outreach meeting. As a result, she tries to give him space to avoid making him feel encroached upon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Julian Standley and Claudia Glasper pose with their dogs, Benji and Sassy, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102837\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdam’s van is packed with supplies for pet owners on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102844\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HAPI member, Jane Esposito, organizes vaccination records while her coworkers vaccinate a dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102842\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide-california-midterm-elections-2026-vote-for-governor",
"title": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot — or Vote Early?",
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"headTitle": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot — or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days if it hasn’t already arrived — ahead of Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box instead of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box\u003c/a>. These secure drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct.5.\u003c/a> Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103658\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Itzel Diaz drops off her ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Going to a voting location in person is actually \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">the top recommendation \u003c/a>of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can’t I just mail my ballot through the Postal Service?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box — but it’s best to do this early. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by Nov. 3\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be aware that when it comes to using USPS, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s Election Day itself, for peace of mind that your ballot will reach your county elections office in time to be counted, you should drop off your ballot in an official drop box or voting location instead of using USPS (see above).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you can’t do that, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you really have to use a collection box, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier). You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed — since doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and it won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">Read more about what California election officials say about using USPS this election season.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-person\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103661\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or you moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg\" alt=\"Two Black women standing and looking at a clipboard over a table and signs that say "Vote" with other people waiting in line behind the woman with the red shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-12010427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19. (Drazen Zigic via iStock/Getty Images Plus)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot-drop-off\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days if it hasn’t already arrived — ahead of Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days if it hasn’t already arrived — ahead of Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box instead of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box\u003c/a>. These secure drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct.5.\u003c/a> Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box instead of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box\u003c/a>. These secure drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct.5.\u003c/a> Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103658\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Itzel Diaz drops off her ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103658\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Itzel Diaz drops off her ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Going to a voting location in person is actually \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">the top recommendation \u003c/a>of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Going to a voting location in person is actually \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">the top recommendation \u003c/a>of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Peace of mind: There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery",
"Timing: If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted",
"Assistance: If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Can’t I just mail my ballot through the Postal Service?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can’t I just mail my ballot through the Postal Service?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box — but it’s best to do this early. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box — but it’s best to do this early. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by Nov. 3\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by Nov. 3\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be aware that when it comes to using USPS, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Be aware that when it comes to using USPS, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If it’s Election Day itself, for peace of mind that your ballot will reach your county elections office in time to be counted, you should drop off your ballot in an official drop box or voting location instead of using USPS (see above).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If it’s Election Day itself, for peace of mind that your ballot will reach your county elections office in time to be counted, you should drop off your ballot in an official drop box or voting location instead of using USPS (see above).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you can’t do that, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you can’t do that, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you really have to use a collection box, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier). You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed — since doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and it won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you really have to use a collection box, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier). You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed — since doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and it won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">Read more about what California election officials say about using USPS this election season.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">Read more about what California election officials say about using USPS this election season.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I vote in person on Election Day?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-person\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-person\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"attrs": {
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103661\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103661\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or you moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or you moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg\" alt=\"Two Black women standing and looking at a clipboard over a table and signs that say "Vote" with other people waiting in line behind the woman with the red shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-12010427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Drazen Zigic via iStock/Getty Images Plus)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg\" alt=\"Two Black women standing and looking at a clipboard over a table and signs that say "Vote" with other people waiting in line behind the woman with the red shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-12010427\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Drazen Zigic via iStock/Getty Images Plus)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot-drop-off\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)",
"Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes",
"Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I contact my county directly about voting?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org",
"San Mateo: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org",
"Santa Clara: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Where to find a ballot drop box near you in the Bay Area, whether you should use USPS to mail your primary ballot and how you can vote early.",
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"title": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot — or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days if it hasn’t already arrived — ahead of Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box instead of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box\u003c/a>. These secure drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct.5.\u003c/a> Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103658\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/014_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-06c984cf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Itzel Diaz drops off her ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Going to a voting location in person is actually \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">the top recommendation \u003c/a>of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can’t I just mail my ballot through the Postal Service?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box — but it’s best to do this early. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by Nov. 3\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be aware that when it comes to using USPS, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s Election Day itself, for peace of mind that your ballot will reach your county elections office in time to be counted, you should drop off your ballot in an official drop box or voting location instead of using USPS (see above).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you can’t do that, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you really have to use a collection box, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier). You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed — since doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and it won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">Read more about what California election officials say about using USPS this election season.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-person\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103661\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1-b4fd4fcf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or you moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg\" alt=\"Two Black women standing and looking at a clipboard over a table and signs that say "Vote" with other people waiting in line behind the woman with the red shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-12010427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2042927844-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19. (Drazen Zigic via iStock/Getty Images Plus)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot-drop-off\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "californias-largest-public-sector-union-set-to-strike-later-this-month",
"title": "California’s Largest State-Workers Union Set to Strike Later This Month",
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"headTitle": "California’s Largest State-Workers Union Set to Strike Later This Month | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>’s largest state-workers union is set to strike later this month, in a conflict escalation aiming to pressure the Newsom administration to reach a contract deal soon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The announcement comes after a vote, open to the roughly 100,000 state employees the union represents, resulted Wednesday in overwhelming support for a walkout if negotiations keep stalling, according to Service Employees International Union Local 1000 representatives. Office workers, cooks, custodians, nurses and others statewide plan to go on strike on Oct. 21.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“State workers are prepared to hold the line and, if necessary, go on strike to say, there is no California without state workers keeping it running,” union President Anica Walls said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are demanding a fair contract that recognizes the work that we do, and that makes it possible for us to live in the communities that we work in,” said Walls, a disability evaluation analyst with the Department of Social Services since 2006.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-11-scaled-e1791490590125.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080557\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Caltrans worker adjusts construction cones as traffic comes to a slow on I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on April 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Union-represented employees at libraries, hospitals and agencies such as Caltrans, CalFire and the Department of Motor Vehicles have never walked out of their jobs before, though SEIU Local 1000 members first authorized a strike that was averted by a last-minute deal a decade ago.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This time, Walls argued that a work stoppage may be necessary because the administration has failed to bargain in good faith since earlier this year on worker priorities. The union has proposed a 20% across-the-board wage increase over three years, lower-cost healthcare benefits and more flexible telework requirements, bids that were summarily rejected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There wasn’t a real negotiation,” she said, adding that the two parties remain far apart with no future bargaining dates on the calendar yet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The strike authorization vote comes as the California Public Employment Relations Board has appointed a mediator to help the administration and SEIU Local 1000 resolve their dispute. Last week, the agency determined the existence of an impasse after the union filed unfair labor practice charges against the administration in July.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Human Resources said the state remains open to negotiation and is prepared to move into mediation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our focus is on reaching a fair and responsible agreement, and we continue to be available at the bargaining table,” said Angela Musallam, a spokesperson for CalHR.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the biggest sticking points has been Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order requiring most employees to return to the office at least four days a week, which went into effect in July after a one-year delay. The mandate upended previous in-person work expectations adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SEIU Local 1000 and other unions pushed back, including by sponsoring \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1729\">a bill\u003c/a> that would have required state agencies to develop their own remote-work policies and provide detailed justification to employees when in-office work was required. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A state auditor’s report found that savings from broader telework could reach $225 million. The California legislature approved AB 1729, but Newsom vetoed the proposed legislation last month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized SEIU Local 1000. It is the largest state-workers union, not the largest public-sector union.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The announcement comes after a vote, open to the roughly 100,000 state employees the union represents, resulted Wednesday in overwhelming support for a walkout if negotiations keep stalling, according to Service Employees International Union Local 1000 representatives. Office workers, cooks, custodians, nurses and others statewide plan to go on strike on Oct. 21.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“State workers are prepared to hold the line and, if necessary, go on strike to say, there is no California without state workers keeping it running,” union President Anica Walls said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are demanding a fair contract that recognizes the work that we do, and that makes it possible for us to live in the communities that we work in,” said Walls, a disability evaluation analyst with the Department of Social Services since 2006.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Union-represented employees at libraries, hospitals and agencies such as Caltrans, CalFire and the Department of Motor Vehicles have never walked out of their jobs before, though SEIU Local 1000 members first authorized a strike that was averted by a last-minute deal a decade ago.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This time, Walls argued that a work stoppage may be necessary because the administration has failed to bargain in good faith since earlier this year on worker priorities. The union has proposed a 20% across-the-board wage increase over three years, lower-cost healthcare benefits and more flexible telework requirements, bids that were summarily rejected.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There wasn’t a real negotiation,” she said, adding that the two parties remain far apart with no future bargaining dates on the calendar yet. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The strike authorization vote comes as the California Public Employment Relations Board has appointed a mediator to help the administration and SEIU Local 1000 resolve their dispute. Last week, the agency determined the existence of an impasse after the union filed unfair labor practice charges against the administration in July.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Human Resources said the state remains open to negotiation and is prepared to move into mediation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Our focus is on reaching a fair and responsible agreement, and we continue to be available at the bargaining table,” said Angela Musallam, a spokesperson for CalHR.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the biggest sticking points has been Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order requiring most employees to return to the office at least four days a week, which went into effect in July after a one-year delay. The mandate upended previous in-person work expectations adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SEIU Local 1000 and other unions pushed back, including by sponsoring \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1729\">a bill\u003c/a> that would have required state agencies to develop their own remote-work policies and provide detailed justification to employees when in-office work was required. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>SEIU Local 1000 and other unions pushed back, including by sponsoring \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1729\">a bill\u003c/a> that would have required state agencies to develop their own remote-work policies and provide detailed justification to employees when in-office work was required. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A state auditor’s report found that savings from broader telework could reach $225 million. The California legislature approved AB 1729, but Newsom vetoed the proposed legislation last month.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A state auditor’s report found that savings from broader telework could reach $225 million. The California legislature approved AB 1729, but Newsom vetoed the proposed legislation last month.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized SEIU Local 1000. It is the largest state-workers union, not the largest public-sector union.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized SEIU Local 1000. It is the largest state-workers union, not the largest public-sector union.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The union representing about 100,000 state employees says it remains far apart in contract talks with the Newsom administration on wage raises and telework requirements.",
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"title": "California’s Largest State-Workers Union Set to Strike Later This Month | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>’s largest state-workers union is set to strike later this month, in a conflict escalation aiming to pressure the Newsom administration to reach a contract deal soon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The announcement comes after a vote, open to the roughly 100,000 state employees the union represents, resulted Wednesday in overwhelming support for a walkout if negotiations keep stalling, according to Service Employees International Union Local 1000 representatives. Office workers, cooks, custodians, nurses and others statewide plan to go on strike on Oct. 21.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“State workers are prepared to hold the line and, if necessary, go on strike to say, there is no California without state workers keeping it running,” union President Anica Walls said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are demanding a fair contract that recognizes the work that we do, and that makes it possible for us to live in the communities that we work in,” said Walls, a disability evaluation analyst with the Department of Social Services since 2006.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-11-scaled-e1791490590125.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080557\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Caltrans worker adjusts construction cones as traffic comes to a slow on I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on April 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Union-represented employees at libraries, hospitals and agencies such as Caltrans, CalFire and the Department of Motor Vehicles have never walked out of their jobs before, though SEIU Local 1000 members first authorized a strike that was averted by a last-minute deal a decade ago.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This time, Walls argued that a work stoppage may be necessary because the administration has failed to bargain in good faith since earlier this year on worker priorities. The union has proposed a 20% across-the-board wage increase over three years, lower-cost healthcare benefits and more flexible telework requirements, bids that were summarily rejected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There wasn’t a real negotiation,” she said, adding that the two parties remain far apart with no future bargaining dates on the calendar yet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The strike authorization vote comes as the California Public Employment Relations Board has appointed a mediator to help the administration and SEIU Local 1000 resolve their dispute. Last week, the agency determined the existence of an impasse after the union filed unfair labor practice charges against the administration in July.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Human Resources said the state remains open to negotiation and is prepared to move into mediation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our focus is on reaching a fair and responsible agreement, and we continue to be available at the bargaining table,” said Angela Musallam, a spokesperson for CalHR.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the biggest sticking points has been Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order requiring most employees to return to the office at least four days a week, which went into effect in July after a one-year delay. The mandate upended previous in-person work expectations adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SEIU Local 1000 and other unions pushed back, including by sponsoring \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1729\">a bill\u003c/a> that would have required state agencies to develop their own remote-work policies and provide detailed justification to employees when in-office work was required. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A state auditor’s report found that savings from broader telework could reach $225 million. The California legislature approved AB 1729, but Newsom vetoed the proposed legislation last month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized SEIU Local 1000. It is the largest state-workers union, not the largest public-sector union.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "a-kelvin-wave-on-top-of-el-nino-what-bay-area-hikers-bikers-swimmers-and-campers-should-know-this-winter",
"title": "A Kelvin Wave on Top of El Niño? What Bay Area Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers and Campers Should Know This Winter",
"publishDate": 1791487997,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "A Kelvin Wave on Top of El Niño? What Bay Area Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers and Campers Should Know This Winter | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103307/cautiously-optimistic-the-latest-on-el-nino-and-tahoes-ski-season\">latest El Niño forecasts\u003c/a> show the Bay Area could be in for a particularly wet winter, affecting any late-season outdoor trips locals typically save for the region’s “second summer” in October. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a new threat on the horizon, called a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2002141/an-el-nino-driven-kelvin-wave-could-raise-bay-area-sea-levels-and-flooding-risk\">Kelvin wave\u003c/a>,” could also spoil plans for late-season hiking, biking and water sports. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First predicted to hit in mid- to late-October, this warm-water phenomenon could raise Bay Area sea levels by up to a foot. On top of already-high sea levels, potential wet weather and seasonal King Tides, coastal regions could be in for some pretty severe flooding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if you’ve got a coastal campsite booked, maybe a long bike ride up to Marin planned, or a kayaking or swimming trip coming up this fall, be aware: Higher water levels are expected and might affect your plans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on for more information, broken down by activity:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#swimming\">Swimming and kayaking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#hiking\">Biking and hiking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#camping\">Camping\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"swimming\">Beware of debris and high shorelines while swimming and kayaking\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A main signal of this year’s expected “super El Niño” is particularly warm water in the Pacific Ocean. While that might sound ideal for swimmers, Sylvia Lacock, co-founder of Pacific Open Water Swim Co. and a master captain, said otherwise. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, she said, her clients who actively seek out cold-water swimming to qualify or train for international competitions are having to push their scheduled swim dates back deeper toward winter. But more relevant to casual swimmers, she said, is that flooding due to higher tides and sea levels could engulf beaches and docks, making getting in the water to enjoy it difficult. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103551\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents Jill Sherman and her kids, Imogen and Zander Smith, kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Constant rain, constant storms, how it ends up impacting kite surfers, windsurfers and swimmers, is that with a higher tide, we lose beach,” she said. “So if you’re used to having a lot of beach to maybe go in and off of in Aquatic Park or at Crissy Field, you might find that that beach feels a lot smaller just because the water’s up a lot higher.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Galen Licht, CEO and co-owner of kayak rental company SeaTrek, said a group of high school students on a trip to Angel Island last week struggled with the already-high tides.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The beach was nearly gone, and [on] the walkway that we would normally take to get up to the campsite, they were walking in waist-deep water,” he said. “It kind of caught us off guard a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plus, Lacock said, areas around shorelines could also be flooded with debris, adding hazards to the water for swimmers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every single year we see this,” she said. “When we have storms that come through, now add a higher tide to it. Whether it’s piers or docks, that breaks off, and it ends up floating in the bay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For boaters, these floating hazards are an added challenge, she said. Swimmers have to watch for broken pieces of piers and even kite surfers may have to worry about “items that may be just submerged under the surface of the water,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lacock said she’s particularly concerned about the area around \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/aquatic-park-pier.htm\">San Francisco’s Muni Pier\u003c/a>, which has been in disrepair since it closed in 2022 due to structural damage from an earthquake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Licht, whose company operates kayak launches in Alameda and Sausalito, said he is “making sure things are extra tied down” and “preparing to be more flexible than ever this winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, Lacock said swimmers should avoid getting into the water immediately after a storm, especially the first big storm of the winter season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You may want to not be in the water for the first 24 or 48 hours after that,” she said. “We like that tide cycle to kind of flush that water out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hiking\">Watch for flooding on popular hiking and biking trails\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The compounding effects of higher sea levels, Kelvin waves, King Tides and whatever else this El Niño winter might bring won’t just affect people recreating \u003cem>in \u003c/em>the water. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dan Sauter, operations superintendent for Marin County Parks, said his agency is preparing for the potential “stacking” of higher tides onto its bayside parks and open space preserves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the past few weeks, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/parks/mill-valley-sausalito-pathway\">Mill Valley-Sausalito multi-use path\u003c/a> — a connecting route for bikers and hikers that routinely floods in winter — has already been submerged, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Typically, the path floods when tides are about 6 feet high, he said, but that number could go down if there are more factors in play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re expecting the tides to impact it at a lower projected tide number,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, the multi-use trail floods so often that there is currently an \u003ca href=\"https://www.onetam.org/our-work/bothin-marsh\">effort underway to redesign it\u003c/a>, said Rob LaPorte, a senior project manager with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy who has been working on improvements to the trail. He said rerouting the path isn’t particularly feasible given its location sandwiched between the bay and Highways 1 and 101.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re looking at significantly raising it by approximately 6.5 feet, 7 feet just to make it more storm-proof,” he said. “And then we’re also looking at ways to restore the natural processes at this marsh to help that ecosystem adapt to higher waters.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SeaTrek’s Licht said some customers even rent kayaks in Sausalito specifically to paddle through the flooded marsh. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s wild,” he said. “Literally our kayakers can paddle across the bike path — and they do.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018233\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People walk along the Embarcadero during a high king tide in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also of concern in Marin County are the Miller Boat Launch in Tomales Bay, Black Point Boat Launch in San Pablo Bay and McNears Beach and McInnis Park in San Rafael.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sauter said Marin County Parks stations rangers around the multi-use trail and other parks to let people know about potential flooding or advise them when trails are closed. They’ve even started pre-making signs to put up advising hikers and bikers to prepare for flooding impacts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If a storm is significant, we may be closing regional parks or areas that are unsafe to visitors,” he said. “So we’re prepared to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>LaPorte said his main concern going into this potentially historic winter is that park infrastructure, designed to handle historical averages of rainfall, may not be up to the task.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“With this El Niño event and the potential for big storms that are associated with climate change — and then add on top of that the Kelvin wave — we’re just anticipating there being a lot more water that’s affecting trails throughout the parks,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sauter said hikers and bikers should simply stay home during a storm.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s always a good idea to check your weather when you’re heading out and your tide logs,” he said. “There’s a good chunk of people that aren’t expecting to come across a multi-use path underwater on just a regular nice day. But it does happen out there.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After a storm, clearing sediment and other debris off the path and other flooded areas also takes time, Sauter said, so be patient.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re all expecting the worst and hoping for the best and preparing for anything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"camping\">Stay tuned for coastal campground closures\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve got fall camping plans, particularly if your site is on or near the bay or ocean, be sure to double-check your reservation is still on before you head out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Peter Ostroskie, spokesperson for California State Parks’ Bay Area district, said anyone with a camping reservation this winter should check the website of the park they’re going to before heading out. Some state parks also use social media to keep visitors informed, he said. And if you’re ever in doubt about safety or weather conditions at a park, you can always call the number of the park listed on its website for the most up-to-date information.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re happy to give you updates or let you know what’s going on and what are the conditions right now,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12066250\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flooding near the Highway 101 Sausalito/Mill Valley exit in Sausalito on Dec. 4, 2025, during a king tide event. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are planning to camp during wet weather, make sure you have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">proper gear and are prepared to leave in case of emergency\u003c/a>. Ostroskie said state parks staff are preparing for a wet winter by staging equipment and readying communications to handle potential flooding or other effects of rising sea levels. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parks like Angel Island, China Camp, Tomales Bay, Mt. Tam and Candlestick are of particular concern, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said he’s also worried about a park like Samuel P. Taylor State Park, whose Lagunitas Creek can rise dramatically during storms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The creek floods really high, so we actually close off the creekside campground,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Landslides, fallen trees and power lines are also typical stormy weather concerns for parks, Ostroskie said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For oceanside campgrounds, bad weather and consistent big waves can threaten infrastructure, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’ll probably take us a little bit longer to open up the season, especially when we hit spring and summer, just because we’ll be doing repairs and fixing things,” he said. “And sometimes that takes a little time.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103307/cautiously-optimistic-the-latest-on-el-nino-and-tahoes-ski-season\">latest El Niño forecasts\u003c/a> show the Bay Area could be in for a particularly wet winter, affecting any late-season outdoor trips locals typically save for the region’s “second summer” in October. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103307/cautiously-optimistic-the-latest-on-el-nino-and-tahoes-ski-season\">latest El Niño forecasts\u003c/a> show the Bay Area could be in for a particularly wet winter, affecting any late-season outdoor trips locals typically save for the region’s “second summer” in October. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But a new threat on the horizon, called a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2002141/an-el-nino-driven-kelvin-wave-could-raise-bay-area-sea-levels-and-flooding-risk\">Kelvin wave\u003c/a>,” could also spoil plans for late-season hiking, biking and water sports. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But a new threat on the horizon, called a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2002141/an-el-nino-driven-kelvin-wave-could-raise-bay-area-sea-levels-and-flooding-risk\">Kelvin wave\u003c/a>,” could also spoil plans for late-season hiking, biking and water sports. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First predicted to hit in mid- to late-October, this warm-water phenomenon could raise Bay Area sea levels by up to a foot. On top of already-high sea levels, potential wet weather and seasonal King Tides, coastal regions could be in for some pretty severe flooding. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First predicted to hit in mid- to late-October, this warm-water phenomenon could raise Bay Area sea levels by up to a foot. On top of already-high sea levels, potential wet weather and seasonal King Tides, coastal regions could be in for some pretty severe flooding. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So if you’ve got a coastal campsite booked, maybe a long bike ride up to Marin planned, or a kayaking or swimming trip coming up this fall, be aware: Higher water levels are expected and might affect your plans. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So if you’ve got a coastal campsite booked, maybe a long bike ride up to Marin planned, or a kayaking or swimming trip coming up this fall, be aware: Higher water levels are expected and might affect your plans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read on for more information, broken down by activity:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#swimming\">Swimming and kayaking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#swimming\">Swimming and kayaking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#hiking\">Biking and hiking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"text": "Beware of debris and high shorelines while swimming and kayaking",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"swimming\">Beware of debris and high shorelines while swimming and kayaking\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A main signal of this year’s expected “super El Niño” is particularly warm water in the Pacific Ocean. While that might sound ideal for swimmers, Sylvia Lacock, co-founder of Pacific Open Water Swim Co. and a master captain, said otherwise. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A main signal of this year’s expected “super El Niño” is particularly warm water in the Pacific Ocean. While that might sound ideal for swimmers, Sylvia Lacock, co-founder of Pacific Open Water Swim Co. and a master captain, said otherwise. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First, she said, her clients who actively seek out cold-water swimming to qualify or train for international competitions are having to push their scheduled swim dates back deeper toward winter. But more relevant to casual swimmers, she said, is that flooding due to higher tides and sea levels could engulf beaches and docks, making getting in the water to enjoy it difficult. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First, she said, her clients who actively seek out cold-water swimming to qualify or train for international competitions are having to push their scheduled swim dates back deeper toward winter. But more relevant to casual swimmers, she said, is that flooding due to higher tides and sea levels could engulf beaches and docks, making getting in the water to enjoy it difficult. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103551\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents Jill Sherman and her kids, Imogen and Zander Smith, kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Constant rain, constant storms, how it ends up impacting kite surfers, windsurfers and swimmers, is that with a higher tide, we lose beach,” she said. “So if you’re used to having a lot of beach to maybe go in and off of in Aquatic Park or at Crissy Field, you might find that that beach feels a lot smaller just because the water’s up a lot higher.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Constant rain, constant storms, how it ends up impacting kite surfers, windsurfers and swimmers, is that with a higher tide, we lose beach,” she said. “So if you’re used to having a lot of beach to maybe go in and off of in Aquatic Park or at Crissy Field, you might find that that beach feels a lot smaller just because the water’s up a lot higher.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Galen Licht, CEO and co-owner of kayak rental company SeaTrek, said a group of high school students on a trip to Angel Island last week struggled with the already-high tides.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Galen Licht, CEO and co-owner of kayak rental company SeaTrek, said a group of high school students on a trip to Angel Island last week struggled with the already-high tides.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The beach was nearly gone, and [on] the walkway that we would normally take to get up to the campsite, they were walking in waist-deep water,” he said. “It kind of caught us off guard a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Plus, Lacock said, areas around shorelines could also be flooded with debris, adding hazards to the water for swimmers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Every single year we see this,” she said. “When we have storms that come through, now add a higher tide to it. Whether it’s piers or docks, that breaks off, and it ends up floating in the bay.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For boaters, these floating hazards are an added challenge, she said. Swimmers have to watch for broken pieces of piers and even kite surfers may have to worry about “items that may be just submerged under the surface of the water,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For boaters, these floating hazards are an added challenge, she said. Swimmers have to watch for broken pieces of piers and even kite surfers may have to worry about “items that may be just submerged under the surface of the water,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lacock said she’s particularly concerned about the area around \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/aquatic-park-pier.htm\">San Francisco’s Muni Pier\u003c/a>, which has been in disrepair since it closed in 2022 due to structural damage from an earthquake.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lacock said she’s particularly concerned about the area around \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/aquatic-park-pier.htm\">San Francisco’s Muni Pier\u003c/a>, which has been in disrepair since it closed in 2022 due to structural damage from an earthquake.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Licht, whose company operates kayak launches in Alameda and Sausalito, said he is “making sure things are extra tied down” and “preparing to be more flexible than ever this winter.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Licht, whose company operates kayak launches in Alameda and Sausalito, said he is “making sure things are extra tied down” and “preparing to be more flexible than ever this winter.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In general, Lacock said swimmers should avoid getting into the water immediately after a storm, especially the first big storm of the winter season. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In general, Lacock said swimmers should avoid getting into the water immediately after a storm, especially the first big storm of the winter season. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You may want to not be in the water for the first 24 or 48 hours after that,” she said. “We like that tide cycle to kind of flush that water out.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“You may want to not be in the water for the first 24 or 48 hours after that,” she said. “We like that tide cycle to kind of flush that water out.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Watch for flooding on popular hiking and biking trails",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hiking\">Watch for flooding on popular hiking and biking trails\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hiking\">Watch for flooding on popular hiking and biking trails\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The compounding effects of higher sea levels, Kelvin waves, King Tides and whatever else this El Niño winter might bring won’t just affect people recreating \u003cem>in \u003c/em>the water. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The compounding effects of higher sea levels, Kelvin waves, King Tides and whatever else this El Niño winter might bring won’t just affect people recreating \u003cem>in \u003c/em>the water. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dan Sauter, operations superintendent for Marin County Parks, said his agency is preparing for the potential “stacking” of higher tides onto its bayside parks and open space preserves.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Dan Sauter, operations superintendent for Marin County Parks, said his agency is preparing for the potential “stacking” of higher tides onto its bayside parks and open space preserves.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Over the past few weeks, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/parks/mill-valley-sausalito-pathway\">Mill Valley-Sausalito multi-use path\u003c/a> — a connecting route for bikers and hikers that routinely floods in winter — has already been submerged, he said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Over the past few weeks, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/parks/mill-valley-sausalito-pathway\">Mill Valley-Sausalito multi-use path\u003c/a> — a connecting route for bikers and hikers that routinely floods in winter — has already been submerged, he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Typically, the path floods when tides are about 6 feet high, he said, but that number could go down if there are more factors in play.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Typically, the path floods when tides are about 6 feet high, he said, but that number could go down if there are more factors in play.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-1536x1150.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103556\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re expecting the tides to impact it at a lower projected tide number,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re expecting the tides to impact it at a lower projected tide number,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, the multi-use trail floods so often that there is currently an \u003ca href=\"https://www.onetam.org/our-work/bothin-marsh\">effort underway to redesign it\u003c/a>, said Rob LaPorte, a senior project manager with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy who has been working on improvements to the trail. He said rerouting the path isn’t particularly feasible given its location sandwiched between the bay and Highways 1 and 101.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, the multi-use trail floods so often that there is currently an \u003ca href=\"https://www.onetam.org/our-work/bothin-marsh\">effort underway to redesign it\u003c/a>, said Rob LaPorte, a senior project manager with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy who has been working on improvements to the trail. He said rerouting the path isn’t particularly feasible given its location sandwiched between the bay and Highways 1 and 101.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re looking at significantly raising it by approximately 6.5 feet, 7 feet just to make it more storm-proof,” he said. “And then we’re also looking at ways to restore the natural processes at this marsh to help that ecosystem adapt to higher waters.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re looking at significantly raising it by approximately 6.5 feet, 7 feet just to make it more storm-proof,” he said. “And then we’re also looking at ways to restore the natural processes at this marsh to help that ecosystem adapt to higher waters.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SeaTrek’s Licht said some customers even rent kayaks in Sausalito specifically to paddle through the flooded marsh. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>SeaTrek’s Licht said some customers even rent kayaks in Sausalito specifically to paddle through the flooded marsh. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s wild,” he said. “Literally our kayakers can paddle across the bike path — and they do.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s wild,” he said. “Literally our kayakers can paddle across the bike path — and they do.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1920x1279.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018233\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People walk along the Embarcadero during a high king tide in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018233\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People walk along the Embarcadero during a high king tide in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also of concern in Marin County are the Miller Boat Launch in Tomales Bay, Black Point Boat Launch in San Pablo Bay and McNears Beach and McInnis Park in San Rafael.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Also of concern in Marin County are the Miller Boat Launch in Tomales Bay, Black Point Boat Launch in San Pablo Bay and McNears Beach and McInnis Park in San Rafael.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sauter said Marin County Parks stations rangers around the multi-use trail and other parks to let people know about potential flooding or advise them when trails are closed. They’ve even started pre-making signs to put up advising hikers and bikers to prepare for flooding impacts. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Sauter said Marin County Parks stations rangers around the multi-use trail and other parks to let people know about potential flooding or advise them when trails are closed. They’ve even started pre-making signs to put up advising hikers and bikers to prepare for flooding impacts. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If a storm is significant, we may be closing regional parks or areas that are unsafe to visitors,” he said. “So we’re prepared to do that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If a storm is significant, we may be closing regional parks or areas that are unsafe to visitors,” he said. “So we’re prepared to do that.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>LaPorte said his main concern going into this potentially historic winter is that park infrastructure, designed to handle historical averages of rainfall, may not be up to the task.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>LaPorte said his main concern going into this potentially historic winter is that park infrastructure, designed to handle historical averages of rainfall, may not be up to the task.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“With this El Niño event and the potential for big storms that are associated with climate change — and then add on top of that the Kelvin wave — we’re just anticipating there being a lot more water that’s affecting trails throughout the parks,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“With this El Niño event and the potential for big storms that are associated with climate change — and then add on top of that the Kelvin wave — we’re just anticipating there being a lot more water that’s affecting trails throughout the parks,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sauter said hikers and bikers should simply stay home during a storm.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Sauter said hikers and bikers should simply stay home during a storm.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s always a good idea to check your weather when you’re heading out and your tide logs,” he said. “There’s a good chunk of people that aren’t expecting to come across a multi-use path underwater on just a regular nice day. But it does happen out there.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s always a good idea to check your weather when you’re heading out and your tide logs,” he said. “There’s a good chunk of people that aren’t expecting to come across a multi-use path underwater on just a regular nice day. But it does happen out there.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After a storm, clearing sediment and other debris off the path and other flooded areas also takes time, Sauter said, so be patient.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After a storm, clearing sediment and other debris off the path and other flooded areas also takes time, Sauter said, so be patient.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re all expecting the worst and hoping for the best and preparing for anything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re all expecting the worst and hoping for the best and preparing for anything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Stay tuned for coastal campground closures",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"camping\">Stay tuned for coastal campground closures\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"camping\">Stay tuned for coastal campground closures\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’ve got fall camping plans, particularly if your site is on or near the bay or ocean, be sure to double-check your reservation is still on before you head out.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’ve got fall camping plans, particularly if your site is on or near the bay or ocean, be sure to double-check your reservation is still on before you head out.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Peter Ostroskie, spokesperson for California State Parks’ Bay Area district, said anyone with a camping reservation this winter should check the website of the park they’re going to before heading out. Some state parks also use social media to keep visitors informed, he said. And if you’re ever in doubt about safety or weather conditions at a park, you can always call the number of the park listed on its website for the most up-to-date information.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Peter Ostroskie, spokesperson for California State Parks’ Bay Area district, said anyone with a camping reservation this winter should check the website of the park they’re going to before heading out. Some state parks also use social media to keep visitors informed, he said. And if you’re ever in doubt about safety or weather conditions at a park, you can always call the number of the park listed on its website for the most up-to-date information.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re happy to give you updates or let you know what’s going on and what are the conditions right now,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re happy to give you updates or let you know what’s going on and what are the conditions right now,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12066250\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flooding near the Highway 101 Sausalito/Mill Valley exit in Sausalito on Dec. 4, 2025, during a king tide event.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12066250\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flooding near the Highway 101 Sausalito/Mill Valley exit in Sausalito on Dec. 4, 2025, during a king tide event.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you are planning to camp during wet weather, make sure you have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">proper gear and are prepared to leave in case of emergency\u003c/a>. Ostroskie said state parks staff are preparing for a wet winter by staging equipment and readying communications to handle potential flooding or other effects of rising sea levels. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you are planning to camp during wet weather, make sure you have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">proper gear and are prepared to leave in case of emergency\u003c/a>. Ostroskie said state parks staff are preparing for a wet winter by staging equipment and readying communications to handle potential flooding or other effects of rising sea levels. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Parks like Angel Island, China Camp, Tomales Bay, Mt. Tam and Candlestick are of particular concern, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Parks like Angel Island, China Camp, Tomales Bay, Mt. Tam and Candlestick are of particular concern, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said he’s also worried about a park like Samuel P. Taylor State Park, whose Lagunitas Creek can rise dramatically during storms.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The creek floods really high, so we actually close off the creekside campground,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Landslides, fallen trees and power lines are also typical stormy weather concerns for parks, Ostroskie said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For oceanside campgrounds, bad weather and consistent big waves can threaten infrastructure, he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’ll probably take us a little bit longer to open up the season, especially when we hit spring and summer, just because we’ll be doing repairs and fixing things,” he said. “And sometimes that takes a little time.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’ll probably take us a little bit longer to open up the season, especially when we hit spring and summer, just because we’ll be doing repairs and fixing things,” he said. “And sometimes that takes a little time.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Winter storms could close campgrounds, trails and threaten park infrastructure.",
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"title": "A Kelvin Wave on Top of El Niño? What Bay Area Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers and Campers Should Know This Winter | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103307/cautiously-optimistic-the-latest-on-el-nino-and-tahoes-ski-season\">latest El Niño forecasts\u003c/a> show the Bay Area could be in for a particularly wet winter, affecting any late-season outdoor trips locals typically save for the region’s “second summer” in October. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a new threat on the horizon, called a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2002141/an-el-nino-driven-kelvin-wave-could-raise-bay-area-sea-levels-and-flooding-risk\">Kelvin wave\u003c/a>,” could also spoil plans for late-season hiking, biking and water sports. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First predicted to hit in mid- to late-October, this warm-water phenomenon could raise Bay Area sea levels by up to a foot. On top of already-high sea levels, potential wet weather and seasonal King Tides, coastal regions could be in for some pretty severe flooding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if you’ve got a coastal campsite booked, maybe a long bike ride up to Marin planned, or a kayaking or swimming trip coming up this fall, be aware: Higher water levels are expected and might affect your plans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on for more information, broken down by activity:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#swimming\">Swimming and kayaking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#hiking\">Biking and hiking\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#camping\">Camping\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"swimming\">Beware of debris and high shorelines while swimming and kayaking\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A main signal of this year’s expected “super El Niño” is particularly warm water in the Pacific Ocean. While that might sound ideal for swimmers, Sylvia Lacock, co-founder of Pacific Open Water Swim Co. and a master captain, said otherwise. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, she said, her clients who actively seek out cold-water swimming to qualify or train for international competitions are having to push their scheduled swim dates back deeper toward winter. But more relevant to casual swimmers, she said, is that flooding due to higher tides and sea levels could engulf beaches and docks, making getting in the water to enjoy it difficult. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103551\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty2-b7702575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents Jill Sherman and her kids, Imogen and Zander Smith, kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Constant rain, constant storms, how it ends up impacting kite surfers, windsurfers and swimmers, is that with a higher tide, we lose beach,” she said. “So if you’re used to having a lot of beach to maybe go in and off of in Aquatic Park or at Crissy Field, you might find that that beach feels a lot smaller just because the water’s up a lot higher.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Galen Licht, CEO and co-owner of kayak rental company SeaTrek, said a group of high school students on a trip to Angel Island last week struggled with the already-high tides.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The beach was nearly gone, and [on] the walkway that we would normally take to get up to the campsite, they were walking in waist-deep water,” he said. “It kind of caught us off guard a little bit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plus, Lacock said, areas around shorelines could also be flooded with debris, adding hazards to the water for swimmers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every single year we see this,” she said. “When we have storms that come through, now add a higher tide to it. Whether it’s piers or docks, that breaks off, and it ends up floating in the bay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For boaters, these floating hazards are an added challenge, she said. Swimmers have to watch for broken pieces of piers and even kite surfers may have to worry about “items that may be just submerged under the surface of the water,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lacock said she’s particularly concerned about the area around \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/historyculture/aquatic-park-pier.htm\">San Francisco’s Muni Pier\u003c/a>, which has been in disrepair since it closed in 2022 due to structural damage from an earthquake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Licht, whose company operates kayak launches in Alameda and Sausalito, said he is “making sure things are extra tied down” and “preparing to be more flexible than ever this winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, Lacock said swimmers should avoid getting into the water immediately after a storm, especially the first big storm of the winter season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You may want to not be in the water for the first 24 or 48 hours after that,” she said. “We like that tide cycle to kind of flush that water out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hiking\">Watch for flooding on popular hiking and biking trails\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The compounding effects of higher sea levels, Kelvin waves, King Tides and whatever else this El Niño winter might bring won’t just affect people recreating \u003cem>in \u003c/em>the water. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dan Sauter, operations superintendent for Marin County Parks, said his agency is preparing for the potential “stacking” of higher tides onto its bayside parks and open space preserves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the past few weeks, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/parks/mill-valley-sausalito-pathway\">Mill Valley-Sausalito multi-use path\u003c/a> — a connecting route for bikers and hikers that routinely floods in winter — has already been submerged, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Typically, the path floods when tides are about 6 feet high, he said, but that number could go down if there are more factors in play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/KelvinWavesGetty3-eecc658a-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Floodwaters covered roads in Marin County as residents kayak on the bike trail during high tide between Sausalito and Mill Valley during rainy weather on Jan. 3, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re expecting the tides to impact it at a lower projected tide number,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, the multi-use trail floods so often that there is currently an \u003ca href=\"https://www.onetam.org/our-work/bothin-marsh\">effort underway to redesign it\u003c/a>, said Rob LaPorte, a senior project manager with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy who has been working on improvements to the trail. He said rerouting the path isn’t particularly feasible given its location sandwiched between the bay and Highways 1 and 101.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re looking at significantly raising it by approximately 6.5 feet, 7 feet just to make it more storm-proof,” he said. “And then we’re also looking at ways to restore the natural processes at this marsh to help that ecosystem adapt to higher waters.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SeaTrek’s Licht said some customers even rent kayaks in Sausalito specifically to paddle through the flooded marsh. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s wild,” he said. “Literally our kayakers can paddle across the bike path — and they do.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018233\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241213-PortFlood-82-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People walk along the Embarcadero during a high king tide in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also of concern in Marin County are the Miller Boat Launch in Tomales Bay, Black Point Boat Launch in San Pablo Bay and McNears Beach and McInnis Park in San Rafael.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sauter said Marin County Parks stations rangers around the multi-use trail and other parks to let people know about potential flooding or advise them when trails are closed. They’ve even started pre-making signs to put up advising hikers and bikers to prepare for flooding impacts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If a storm is significant, we may be closing regional parks or areas that are unsafe to visitors,” he said. “So we’re prepared to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>LaPorte said his main concern going into this potentially historic winter is that park infrastructure, designed to handle historical averages of rainfall, may not be up to the task.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“With this El Niño event and the potential for big storms that are associated with climate change — and then add on top of that the Kelvin wave — we’re just anticipating there being a lot more water that’s affecting trails throughout the parks,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sauter said hikers and bikers should simply stay home during a storm.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s always a good idea to check your weather when you’re heading out and your tide logs,” he said. “There’s a good chunk of people that aren’t expecting to come across a multi-use path underwater on just a regular nice day. But it does happen out there.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After a storm, clearing sediment and other debris off the path and other flooded areas also takes time, Sauter said, so be patient.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re all expecting the worst and hoping for the best and preparing for anything,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"camping\">Stay tuned for coastal campground closures\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve got fall camping plans, particularly if your site is on or near the bay or ocean, be sure to double-check your reservation is still on before you head out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Peter Ostroskie, spokesperson for California State Parks’ Bay Area district, said anyone with a camping reservation this winter should check the website of the park they’re going to before heading out. Some state parks also use social media to keep visitors informed, he said. And if you’re ever in doubt about safety or weather conditions at a park, you can always call the number of the park listed on its website for the most up-to-date information.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re happy to give you updates or let you know what’s going on and what are the conditions right now,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12066250\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251204-KINGTIDE-40-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flooding near the Highway 101 Sausalito/Mill Valley exit in Sausalito on Dec. 4, 2025, during a king tide event. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are planning to camp during wet weather, make sure you have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">proper gear and are prepared to leave in case of emergency\u003c/a>. Ostroskie said state parks staff are preparing for a wet winter by staging equipment and readying communications to handle potential flooding or other effects of rising sea levels. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parks like Angel Island, China Camp, Tomales Bay, Mt. Tam and Candlestick are of particular concern, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said he’s also worried about a park like Samuel P. Taylor State Park, whose Lagunitas Creek can rise dramatically during storms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The creek floods really high, so we actually close off the creekside campground,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Landslides, fallen trees and power lines are also typical stormy weather concerns for parks, Ostroskie said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For oceanside campgrounds, bad weather and consistent big waves can threaten infrastructure, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’ll probably take us a little bit longer to open up the season, especially when we hit spring and summer, just because we’ll be doing repairs and fixing things,” he said. “And sometimes that takes a little time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "half-moon-bay-pumpkin-festival-traffic-tips-2026",
"title": "Everyone Wants to See the Half Moon Bay Pumpkins. Here’s How to Visit Without Getting Stuck in Traffic",
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"headTitle": "Everyone Wants to See the Half Moon Bay Pumpkins. Here’s How to Visit Without Getting Stuck in Traffic | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is legendary for its record-breaking giant pumpkins, coma-inducing fall treats … and its \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">infuriating traffic jams\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you’re one of those people who’ve vowed to never brave the festival again after spending hours in your car waiting to get over Highway 92 — or if you have yet to experience the event entirely out of \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/1g3lece/half_moon_bay_pumpkin_festival_travel_tips/\">fear of that hourslong wait in traffic\u003c/a> — we’ve got you covered. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">This year’s Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a> on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 is bound to be a big one. Event spokesperson Ronan Fowler told KQED that this year’s growers are sure to give \u003ca href=\"https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-pumpkin\">the world’s current record-holding pumpkin\u003c/a> a run for its money.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have been talking to some of the growers, and we know we have a very, very large pumpkin coming this year,” Fowler said. “We don’t know how big — and I think the grower doesn’t know how big it is.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But “if he gets really good weather from here on to the event, it potentially could break the world record,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Former San Francisco Giants star Sergio Romo will also be presiding over the Saturday festivities as the event’s Grand Marshal. So if all that — plus the seemingly never-ending booths of art to peruse on both days — is enough to entice you to make your way to the coast for the weekend, let us help you out with some top tips for avoiding traffic getting to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, and for making the most of your fall celebration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#traffic\">How to (maybe) beat the Half Moon Bay traffic this year\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan your trip around the events you care about\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fowler’s No. 1 piece of advice, especially for first-time festivalgoers, is to plan their Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival trip around the specific \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/schedule.html\">activities and events\u003c/a> they hope to attend — rather than showing up and hoping for the best. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s true: There is a huge range of options, from the Monday weigh-off to the Saturday parade and costume contest. Some of Fowler’s personal highlights include taking photos with the enormous award-winning pumpkins and participating in the costume contest.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also the Sunday half-marathon. “A great way to cap off a run is to head over to the festival and relax and have some pumpkin beer or a wine and just kind of hang out,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103389\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>In particular, he said, don’t sleep on the music. All weekend long, local bands will take to the \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/music.html\">festival’s three stages\u003c/a>, in addition to street performances all throughout the area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fowler said organizers do try to spread out the events so not everyone comes at once — or have events, like the pie-eating contest, on multiple days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My recommendation is: get into the fun of it,” he said. “Dress up, take your time, and don’t feel like you need to rush or see everything. Try not to overthink things and just do a little bit of exploring.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"traffic\">Consider skipping the Saturday\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news, said Fowler: Traffic to and from the festival has been improving since the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">chaotic 2024 festival.\u003c/a> And last year, “there was never a real big backup near the heart of downtown,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if traffic remains your biggest concern, Fowler suggested visiting the festival on Sunday rather than Saturday, because there \u003cem>should \u003c/em>be fewer people — meaning traffic could be lighter. (That’s not 100% guaranteed, of course.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you’re kind of looking for more of a laid-back experience and just want to experience it without all the excitement on Saturday, Sunday is really the way to go,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or, if the giant pumpkins are the main attraction for you, swing by what he called the “intimate and relaxed” \u003ca href=\"https://hmbweighoff.com/\">weigh-off \u003c/a>on Monday, Oct. 12, which should have far fewer crowds than the weekend celebrations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get there \u003cem>early \u003c/em>early … \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Regardless of which day you choose, consider arriving as early as you can manage to beat the worst of the traffic in, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, that could mean getting to Half Moon Bay as early as 6 a.m., but it also means you’re arriving in time for \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/food-drink/pancake-breakfast.html\">the pancake breakfast\u003c/a> at 7 a.m.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while the vendors technically aren’t scheduled to open until 9 a.m., Fowler said they often open early, so you can be among the first to browse.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… and don’t leave at the same time as everyone else\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for when to leave, Fowler strongly suggested sticking around the Coastside through dinner time — meaning, do not try to leave right around 5 p.m. like everyone else.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Just grabbing a meal at a local restaurant is kind of the hidden secret,” he said. Main Street favorites among locals include classic Italian spots Pasta Moon and It’s Italia, or there’s brewpub fare at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take an unexpected route home for less traffic …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This tip, Fowler said, he usually keeps as close to the vest as possible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you live in the South Bay — or even on much of the Peninsula — heading south instead of north on Highway 1 to leave the festival may actually save you time, or at least the headache of sitting in traffic over Highway 92.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1281\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-1536x984.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peter Hazel’s giant mosaic pumpkin sculpture for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, route toward Highway 84 and La Honda. You’ll not only be driving against traffic, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning ocean views and the beauty of the South Coast’s redwood forest. You can even stop in some of the picturesque towns along the way, like San Gregorio and Woodside. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if your navigation app said it will take longer, it may simply be more enjoyable, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You can even make a road trip out of it and go all the way to Santa Cruz,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… or forego the car ride entirely\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you don’t want to bother with driving at all, the festival is transit-accessible \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/public-transit.html\">via SamTrans\u003c/a>. While the buses may get delayed (after all, they wait in the same traffic as the cars do), Fowler said they typically utilize different event routes to minimize the impact of the festival on their services.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another idea to avoid traffic entirely is to bike to the festival. Not only is there \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/bicycle-parking.html\">dedicated bike parking\u003c/a> at the festival, many of the local hotels also offer bikes to borrow or rent — which may be the most efficient option if you’re willing to stay overnight for the festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Staying in town really kind of makes things less stressful,” Fowler said. “You can have one or two beers and not have to worry about driving, and you can just take your time.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival: Know before you go\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Besides contending with the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival traffic, here are a few more tips from the organizers themselves:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A quiet area for diaper changing and nursing will be available at the Community United Methodist Church on Miramontes and Johnston streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bring cash for parking (and potentially for vendors).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Try to snag the first spot you see, even if it means you’ll have to walk a ways.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wear sunscreen and lots of layers — Half Moon Bay can get very foggy and cold.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets are not allowed (service animals are OK).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Free water is available at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Purissima Street, so bring an empty bottle.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is legendary for its record-breaking giant pumpkins, coma-inducing fall treats … and its \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">infuriating traffic jams\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you’re one of those people who’ve vowed to never brave the festival again after spending hours in your car waiting to get over Highway 92 — or if you have yet to experience the event entirely out of \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/1g3lece/half_moon_bay_pumpkin_festival_travel_tips/\">fear of that hourslong wait in traffic\u003c/a> — we’ve got you covered. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And if you’re one of those people who’ve vowed to never brave the festival again after spending hours in your car waiting to get over Highway 92 — or if you have yet to experience the event entirely out of \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/1g3lece/half_moon_bay_pumpkin_festival_travel_tips/\">fear of that hourslong wait in traffic\u003c/a> — we’ve got you covered. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">This year’s Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a> on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 is bound to be a big one. Event spokesperson Ronan Fowler told KQED that this year’s growers are sure to give \u003ca href=\"https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-pumpkin\">the world’s current record-holding pumpkin\u003c/a> a run for its money.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">This year’s Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a> on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 is bound to be a big one. Event spokesperson Ronan Fowler told KQED that this year’s growers are sure to give \u003ca href=\"https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-pumpkin\">the world’s current record-holding pumpkin\u003c/a> a run for its money.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have been talking to some of the growers, and we know we have a very, very large pumpkin coming this year,” Fowler said. “We don’t know how big — and I think the grower doesn’t know how big it is.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We have been talking to some of the growers, and we know we have a very, very large pumpkin coming this year,” Fowler said. “We don’t know how big — and I think the grower doesn’t know how big it is.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But “if he gets really good weather from here on to the event, it potentially could break the world record,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Former San Francisco Giants star Sergio Romo will also be presiding over the Saturday festivities as the event’s Grand Marshal. So if all that — plus the seemingly never-ending booths of art to peruse on both days — is enough to entice you to make your way to the coast for the weekend, let us help you out with some top tips for avoiding traffic getting to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, and for making the most of your fall celebration.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Former San Francisco Giants star Sergio Romo will also be presiding over the Saturday festivities as the event’s Grand Marshal. So if all that — plus the seemingly never-ending booths of art to peruse on both days — is enough to entice you to make your way to the coast for the weekend, let us help you out with some top tips for avoiding traffic getting to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, and for making the most of your fall celebration.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#traffic\">How to (maybe) beat the Half Moon Bay traffic this year\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fowler’s No. 1 piece of advice, especially for first-time festivalgoers, is to plan their Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival trip around the specific \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/schedule.html\">activities and events\u003c/a> they hope to attend — rather than showing up and hoping for the best. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fowler’s No. 1 piece of advice, especially for first-time festivalgoers, is to plan their Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival trip around the specific \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/schedule.html\">activities and events\u003c/a> they hope to attend — rather than showing up and hoping for the best. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s true: There is a huge range of options, from the Monday weigh-off to the Saturday parade and costume contest. Some of Fowler’s personal highlights include taking photos with the enormous award-winning pumpkins and participating in the costume contest.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s true: There is a huge range of options, from the Monday weigh-off to the Saturday parade and costume contest. Some of Fowler’s personal highlights include taking photos with the enormous award-winning pumpkins and participating in the costume contest.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s also the Sunday half-marathon. “A great way to cap off a run is to head over to the festival and relax and have some pumpkin beer or a wine and just kind of hang out,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s also the Sunday half-marathon. “A great way to cap off a run is to head over to the festival and relax and have some pumpkin beer or a wine and just kind of hang out,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103389\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103389\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In particular, he said, don’t sleep on the music. All weekend long, local bands will take to the \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/music.html\">festival’s three stages\u003c/a>, in addition to street performances all throughout the area.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In particular, he said, don’t sleep on the music. All weekend long, local bands will take to the \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/music.html\">festival’s three stages\u003c/a>, in addition to street performances all throughout the area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fowler said organizers do try to spread out the events so not everyone comes at once — or have events, like the pie-eating contest, on multiple days.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My recommendation is: get into the fun of it,” he said. “Dress up, take your time, and don’t feel like you need to rush or see everything. Try not to overthink things and just do a little bit of exploring.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“My recommendation is: get into the fun of it,” he said. “Dress up, take your time, and don’t feel like you need to rush or see everything. Try not to overthink things and just do a little bit of exploring.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The good news, said Fowler: Traffic to and from the festival has been improving since the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">chaotic 2024 festival.\u003c/a> And last year, “there was never a real big backup near the heart of downtown,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if traffic remains your biggest concern, Fowler suggested visiting the festival on Sunday rather than Saturday, because there \u003cem>should \u003c/em>be fewer people — meaning traffic could be lighter. (That’s not 100% guaranteed, of course.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re kind of looking for more of a laid-back experience and just want to experience it without all the excitement on Saturday, Sunday is really the way to go,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Or, if the giant pumpkins are the main attraction for you, swing by what he called the “intimate and relaxed” \u003ca href=\"https://hmbweighoff.com/\">weigh-off \u003c/a>on Monday, Oct. 12, which should have far fewer crowds than the weekend celebrations.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Or, if the giant pumpkins are the main attraction for you, swing by what he called the “intimate and relaxed” \u003ca href=\"https://hmbweighoff.com/\">weigh-off \u003c/a>on Monday, Oct. 12, which should have far fewer crowds than the weekend celebrations.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Get there early early … ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Regardless of which day you choose, consider arriving as early as you can manage to beat the worst of the traffic in, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Regardless of which day you choose, consider arriving as early as you can manage to beat the worst of the traffic in, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yes, that could mean getting to Half Moon Bay as early as 6 a.m., but it also means you’re arriving in time for \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/food-drink/pancake-breakfast.html\">the pancake breakfast\u003c/a> at 7 a.m.. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Yes, that could mean getting to Half Moon Bay as early as 6 a.m., but it also means you’re arriving in time for \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/food-drink/pancake-breakfast.html\">the pancake breakfast\u003c/a> at 7 a.m.. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And while the vendors technically aren’t scheduled to open until 9 a.m., Fowler said they often open early, so you can be among the first to browse.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And while the vendors technically aren’t scheduled to open until 9 a.m., Fowler said they often open early, so you can be among the first to browse.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "… and don’t leave at the same time as everyone else",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As for when to leave, Fowler strongly suggested sticking around the Coastside through dinner time — meaning, do not try to leave right around 5 p.m. like everyone else.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As for when to leave, Fowler strongly suggested sticking around the Coastside through dinner time — meaning, do not try to leave right around 5 p.m. like everyone else.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Just grabbing a meal at a local restaurant is kind of the hidden secret,” he said. Main Street favorites among locals include classic Italian spots Pasta Moon and It’s Italia, or there’s brewpub fare at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Just grabbing a meal at a local restaurant is kind of the hidden secret,” he said. Main Street favorites among locals include classic Italian spots Pasta Moon and It’s Italia, or there’s brewpub fare at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Take an unexpected route home for less traffic …",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take an unexpected route home for less traffic …\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This tip, Fowler said, he usually keeps as close to the vest as possible.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This tip, Fowler said, he usually keeps as close to the vest as possible.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you live in the South Bay — or even on much of the Peninsula — heading south instead of north on Highway 1 to leave the festival may actually save you time, or at least the headache of sitting in traffic over Highway 92.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you live in the South Bay — or even on much of the Peninsula — heading south instead of north on Highway 1 to leave the festival may actually save you time, or at least the headache of sitting in traffic over Highway 92.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-1536x984.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-1536x984.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peter Hazel’s giant mosaic pumpkin sculpture for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103388\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peter Hazel’s giant mosaic pumpkin sculpture for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, route toward Highway 84 and La Honda. You’ll not only be driving against traffic, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning ocean views and the beauty of the South Coast’s redwood forest. You can even stop in some of the picturesque towns along the way, like San Gregorio and Woodside. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Instead, route toward Highway 84 and La Honda. You’ll not only be driving against traffic, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning ocean views and the beauty of the South Coast’s redwood forest. You can even stop in some of the picturesque towns along the way, like San Gregorio and Woodside. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even if your navigation app said it will take longer, it may simply be more enjoyable, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even if your navigation app said it will take longer, it may simply be more enjoyable, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You can even make a road trip out of it and go all the way to Santa Cruz,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"attrs": {
"text": "… or forego the car ride entirely",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… or forego the car ride entirely\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… or forego the car ride entirely\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you don’t want to bother with driving at all, the festival is transit-accessible \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/public-transit.html\">via SamTrans\u003c/a>. While the buses may get delayed (after all, they wait in the same traffic as the cars do), Fowler said they typically utilize different event routes to minimize the impact of the festival on their services.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you don’t want to bother with driving at all, the festival is transit-accessible \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/public-transit.html\">via SamTrans\u003c/a>. While the buses may get delayed (after all, they wait in the same traffic as the cars do), Fowler said they typically utilize different event routes to minimize the impact of the festival on their services.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another idea to avoid traffic entirely is to bike to the festival. Not only is there \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/bicycle-parking.html\">dedicated bike parking\u003c/a> at the festival, many of the local hotels also offer bikes to borrow or rent — which may be the most efficient option if you’re willing to stay overnight for the festival.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another idea to avoid traffic entirely is to bike to the festival. Not only is there \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/bicycle-parking.html\">dedicated bike parking\u003c/a> at the festival, many of the local hotels also offer bikes to borrow or rent — which may be the most efficient option if you’re willing to stay overnight for the festival.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Staying in town really kind of makes things less stressful,” Fowler said. “You can have one or two beers and not have to worry about driving, and you can just take your time.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Staying in town really kind of makes things less stressful,” Fowler said. “You can have one or two beers and not have to worry about driving, and you can just take your time.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival: Know before you go",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Besides contending with the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival traffic, here are a few more tips from the organizers themselves:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A quiet area for diaper changing and nursing will be available at the Community United Methodist Church on Miramontes and Johnston streets.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A quiet area for diaper changing and nursing will be available at the Community United Methodist Church on Miramontes and Johnston streets.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bring cash for parking (and potentially for vendors).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bring cash for parking (and potentially for vendors).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Try to snag the first spot you see, even if it means you’ll have to walk a ways.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Try to snag the first spot you see, even if it means you’ll have to walk a ways.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wear sunscreen and lots of layers — Half Moon Bay can get very foggy and cold.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Wear sunscreen and lots of layers — Half Moon Bay can get very foggy and cold.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pets are not allowed (service animals are OK).\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Free water is available at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Purissima Street, so bring an empty bottle.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is incredibly popular every year — but we have insider tips on how to beat the traffic and crowds this October. ",
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"title": "Everyone Wants to See the Half Moon Bay Pumpkins. Here’s How to Visit Without Getting Stuck in Traffic | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is legendary for its record-breaking giant pumpkins, coma-inducing fall treats … and its \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">infuriating traffic jams\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you’re one of those people who’ve vowed to never brave the festival again after spending hours in your car waiting to get over Highway 92 — or if you have yet to experience the event entirely out of \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/1g3lece/half_moon_bay_pumpkin_festival_travel_tips/\">fear of that hourslong wait in traffic\u003c/a> — we’ve got you covered. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/\">This year’s Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a> on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 is bound to be a big one. Event spokesperson Ronan Fowler told KQED that this year’s growers are sure to give \u003ca href=\"https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-pumpkin\">the world’s current record-holding pumpkin\u003c/a> a run for its money.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have been talking to some of the growers, and we know we have a very, very large pumpkin coming this year,” Fowler said. “We don’t know how big — and I think the grower doesn’t know how big it is.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But “if he gets really good weather from here on to the event, it potentially could break the world record,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Former San Francisco Giants star Sergio Romo will also be presiding over the Saturday festivities as the event’s Grand Marshal. So if all that — plus the seemingly never-ending booths of art to peruse on both days — is enough to entice you to make your way to the coast for the weekend, let us help you out with some top tips for avoiding traffic getting to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, and for making the most of your fall celebration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#traffic\">How to (maybe) beat the Half Moon Bay traffic this year\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan your trip around the events you care about\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fowler’s No. 1 piece of advice, especially for first-time festivalgoers, is to plan their Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival trip around the specific \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/schedule.html\">activities and events\u003c/a> they hope to attend — rather than showing up and hoping for the best. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s true: There is a huge range of options, from the Monday weigh-off to the Saturday parade and costume contest. Some of Fowler’s personal highlights include taking photos with the enormous award-winning pumpkins and participating in the costume contest.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also the Sunday half-marathon. “A great way to cap off a run is to head over to the festival and relax and have some pumpkin beer or a wine and just kind of hang out,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103389\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/activities-two-young-women-in-pumpkin-patch-300dpi-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>In particular, he said, don’t sleep on the music. All weekend long, local bands will take to the \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/experience/music.html\">festival’s three stages\u003c/a>, in addition to street performances all throughout the area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fowler said organizers do try to spread out the events so not everyone comes at once — or have events, like the pie-eating contest, on multiple days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My recommendation is: get into the fun of it,” he said. “Dress up, take your time, and don’t feel like you need to rush or see everything. Try not to overthink things and just do a little bit of exploring.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"traffic\">Consider skipping the Saturday\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news, said Fowler: Traffic to and from the festival has been improving since the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRX4PIvZJA/?hl=en\">chaotic 2024 festival.\u003c/a> And last year, “there was never a real big backup near the heart of downtown,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if traffic remains your biggest concern, Fowler suggested visiting the festival on Sunday rather than Saturday, because there \u003cem>should \u003c/em>be fewer people — meaning traffic could be lighter. (That’s not 100% guaranteed, of course.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you’re kind of looking for more of a laid-back experience and just want to experience it without all the excitement on Saturday, Sunday is really the way to go,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or, if the giant pumpkins are the main attraction for you, swing by what he called the “intimate and relaxed” \u003ca href=\"https://hmbweighoff.com/\">weigh-off \u003c/a>on Monday, Oct. 12, which should have far fewer crowds than the weekend celebrations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get there \u003cem>early \u003c/em>early … \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Regardless of which day you choose, consider arriving as early as you can manage to beat the worst of the traffic in, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, that could mean getting to Half Moon Bay as early as 6 a.m., but it also means you’re arriving in time for \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/food-drink/pancake-breakfast.html\">the pancake breakfast\u003c/a> at 7 a.m.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And while the vendors technically aren’t scheduled to open until 9 a.m., Fowler said they often open early, so you can be among the first to browse.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… and don’t leave at the same time as everyone else\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for when to leave, Fowler strongly suggested sticking around the Coastside through dinner time — meaning, do not try to leave right around 5 p.m. like everyone else.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Just grabbing a meal at a local restaurant is kind of the hidden secret,” he said. Main Street favorites among locals include classic Italian spots Pasta Moon and It’s Italia, or there’s brewpub fare at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take an unexpected route home for less traffic …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This tip, Fowler said, he usually keeps as close to the vest as possible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you live in the South Bay — or even on much of the Peninsula — heading south instead of north on Highway 1 to leave the festival may actually save you time, or at least the headache of sitting in traffic over Highway 92.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1281\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/peter_hazel_great_pumpkin1-300dpi-1536x984.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peter Hazel’s giant mosaic pumpkin sculpture for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, route toward Highway 84 and La Honda. You’ll not only be driving against traffic, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning ocean views and the beauty of the South Coast’s redwood forest. You can even stop in some of the picturesque towns along the way, like San Gregorio and Woodside. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if your navigation app said it will take longer, it may simply be more enjoyable, Fowler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You can even make a road trip out of it and go all the way to Santa Cruz,” Fowler said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">… or forego the car ride entirely\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you don’t want to bother with driving at all, the festival is transit-accessible \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/public-transit.html\">via SamTrans\u003c/a>. While the buses may get delayed (after all, they wait in the same traffic as the cars do), Fowler said they typically utilize different event routes to minimize the impact of the festival on their services.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another idea to avoid traffic entirely is to bike to the festival. Not only is there \u003ca href=\"https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/event-details/bicycle-parking.html\">dedicated bike parking\u003c/a> at the festival, many of the local hotels also offer bikes to borrow or rent — which may be the most efficient option if you’re willing to stay overnight for the festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Staying in town really kind of makes things less stressful,” Fowler said. “You can have one or two beers and not have to worry about driving, and you can just take your time.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival: Know before you go\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Besides contending with the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival traffic, here are a few more tips from the organizers themselves:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A quiet area for diaper changing and nursing will be available at the Community United Methodist Church on Miramontes and Johnston streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bring cash for parking (and potentially for vendors).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Try to snag the first spot you see, even if it means you’ll have to walk a ways.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wear sunscreen and lots of layers — Half Moon Bay can get very foggy and cold.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets are not allowed (service animals are OK).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Free water is available at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Purissima Street, so bring an empty bottle.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake",
"title": "Midterms 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake)",
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"headTitle": "Midterms 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake) | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>It’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> 2026 midterm election — which includes your chance to decide who’ll be the state’s next governor. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First of all: Am I registered to vote?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have, \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1275\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102009\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-1536x979.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potential young voters get information at a voter registration desk at Voter Fest 2024, an event designed to engage young voters and historically underserved communities on Oct. 22, 2024, at Cal State Los Angeles. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>. After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12086476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5\u003c/a>, and once submitted, your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some elections officials strongly recommend using these drop boxes over using USPS. “We’re not really encouraging people to use the USPS to get their ballot here,” said Evelyn Mendez, Sonoma County’s registrar of voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, Mendez tells voters to use county collection boxes because they skip the Postal Service altogether.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Return your ballot through the Postal Service \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to use USPS to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you’re mailing your midterm ballot on Election Day itself, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This method is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alexander said this approach sidesteps time-intensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">signature verification\u003c/a> — since your signature only goes on your ballot’s envelope, and the envelope isn’t necessary with Sign, Scan and Go — and late-arrival ballot rejections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, Nov. 3, itself. \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">Early voting locations will open starting Oct. 24.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before Oct. 19, you can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are re-registering after Oct. 19, you’d need to complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\">California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistake\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, Nov. 3, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a USPS mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they’re urging caution around using USPS too close to Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to \u003cem>start \u003c/em>sending out ballots is only Oct. 5.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late October and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before Oct. 19 \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration. The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1353\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>From Oct. 5, your county elections office will be open for early voting through Nov. 3, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> 2026 midterm election — which includes your chance to decide who’ll be the state’s next governor. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> 2026 midterm election — which includes your chance to decide who’ll be the state’s next governor. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n",
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"Jump to: I messed up my ballot. What should I do? "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"text": "First of all: Am I registered to vote?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have, \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have, \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102009\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-1536x979.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potential young voters get information at a voter registration desk at Voter Fest 2024, an event designed to engage young voters and historically underserved communities on Oct. 22, 2024, at Cal State Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102009\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potential young voters get information at a voter registration desk at Voter Fest 2024, an event designed to engage young voters and historically underserved communities on Oct. 22, 2024, at Cal State Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>. After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>. After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n",
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"Governor: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"Prop. 1: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?",
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"Prop 40: Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?",
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"attrs": {
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"text": "Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5\u003c/a>, and once submitted, your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5\u003c/a>, and once submitted, your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some elections officials strongly recommend using these drop boxes over using USPS. “We’re not really encouraging people to use the USPS to get their ballot here,” said Evelyn Mendez, Sonoma County’s registrar of voters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Some elections officials strongly recommend using these drop boxes over using USPS. “We’re not really encouraging people to use the USPS to get their ballot here,” said Evelyn Mendez, Sonoma County’s registrar of voters. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, Mendez tells voters to use county collection boxes because they skip the Postal Service altogether.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to use USPS to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>However, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to use USPS to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you’re mailing your midterm ballot on Election Day itself, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box.\u003c/p>\n",
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"blockName": "core/heading",
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"text": "Drop off your ballot in an open voting location"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This method is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This method is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alexander said this approach sidesteps time-intensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">signature verification\u003c/a> — since your signature only goes on your ballot’s envelope, and the envelope isn’t necessary with Sign, Scan and Go — and late-arrival ballot rejections. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Alexander said this approach sidesteps time-intensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">signature verification\u003c/a> — since your signature only goes on your ballot’s envelope, and the envelope isn’t necessary with Sign, Scan and Go — and late-arrival ballot rejections. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Do I have to vote by mail?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, Nov. 3, itself. \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">Early voting locations will open starting Oct. 24.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, Nov. 3, itself. \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">Early voting locations will open starting Oct. 24.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before Oct. 19, you can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are re-registering after Oct. 19, you’d need to complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before Oct. 19, you can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are re-registering after Oct. 19, you’d need to complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\">California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\">California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistake\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistake\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What if I just want a new ballot?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"items": [
"Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.",
"Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.",
"Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.",
"Go to a voting site on Election Day, Nov. 3, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, Nov. 3, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, Nov. 3, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I think I put the wrong date on my envelope",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12099795,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"attrs": {
"id": 12062371,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a USPS mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a USPS mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they’re urging caution around using USPS too close to Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they’re urging caution around using USPS too close to Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with your name on it:"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n"
],
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Make sure you use a black or blue pen:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "Don’t mail an empty envelope:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Don’t bother with a stamp:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to \u003cem>start \u003c/em>sending out ballots is only Oct. 5.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to \u003cem>start \u003c/em>sending out ballots is only Oct. 5.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late October and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late October and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"attrs": {
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before Oct. 19 "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before Oct. 19 \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before Oct. 19 \u003c/h3>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration. The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration. The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below). \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below). \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>From Oct. 5, your county elections office will be open for early voting through Nov. 3, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout October.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>From Oct. 5, your county elections office will be open for early voting through Nov. 3, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout October.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Contact your county directly",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org",
"San Mateo: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org",
"Santa Clara: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683"
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "From the signature on your envelope to what happens if you make a mistake on your ballot, here's how to correctly cast your vote in the 2026 California midterm elections.",
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"title": "Midterms 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> 2026 midterm election — which includes your chance to decide who’ll be the state’s next governor. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First of all: Am I registered to vote?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The official deadline to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, Oct. 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have, \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1275\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102009\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/YouthVoterGetty-1536x979.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potential young voters get information at a voter registration desk at Voter Fest 2024, an event designed to engage young voters and historically underserved communities on Oct. 22, 2024, at Cal State Los Angeles. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>. After Oct. 19, you can still complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12086476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">open by Oct. 5\u003c/a>, and once submitted, your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some elections officials strongly recommend using these drop boxes over using USPS. “We’re not really encouraging people to use the USPS to get their ballot here,” said Evelyn Mendez, Sonoma County’s registrar of voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, Mendez tells voters to use county collection boxes because they skip the Postal Service altogether.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Return your ballot through the Postal Service \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, in the last two statewide elections, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta urged any voters planning to use USPS to mail in their ballots \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>a week before Election Day\u003c/a> — to account for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">changes in the way USPS is collected\u003c/a> and postmarked in many areas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you’re mailing your midterm ballot on Election Day itself, Weber’s office is recommending you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office” rather than simply dropping it in a USPS collection box.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers open \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This method is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. The option, known as “Sign, Scan and Go” voting, allows voters to bring their mail ballot to a vote center and sign a roster under penalty of perjury — just as you would for in-person voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alexander said this approach sidesteps time-intensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">signature verification\u003c/a> — since your signature only goes on your ballot’s envelope, and the envelope isn’t necessary with Sign, Scan and Go — and late-arrival ballot rejections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, Nov. 3, itself. \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">Early voting locations will open starting Oct. 24.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before Oct. 19, you can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are re-registering after Oct. 19, you’d need to complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\">California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistake\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, Nov. 3, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a USPS mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they’re urging caution around using USPS too close to Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to \u003cem>start \u003c/em>sending out ballots is only Oct. 5.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late October and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before Oct. 19 \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration. The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1353\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>From Oct. 5, your county elections office will be open for early voting through Nov. 3, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "why-are-out-of-state-billionaires-funding-a-california-voter-id-measure",
"title": "Why Are Out-of-State Billionaires Funding a California Voter ID Measure?",
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"headTitle": "Why Are Out-of-State Billionaires Funding a California Voter ID Measure? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to know who’s who in Republican politics? Look no further than the megadonors bankrolling \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>’s voter ID initiative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Illinois billionaire packing supply magnate Richard Uihlein, who has poured tens of millions of dollars into conservative causes, has contributed $17 million to the campaign for \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2026/proposition-39-voter-id/\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a GOP-backed ballot measure to require voters to show a driver’s license or other government ID to vote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Uihlein’s involvement and that of other deep-pocketed Republican donors is a signal that conservatives view Prop. 39 as a test of support for future battleground states in the broader push by President Donald Trump to tighten voter restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Uihlein is joined by Southern California businessman Steven Bray, who loaned the campaign more than $3 million and gave $50,000 outright. The right-wing political group \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-republican-endorsements/\">Reform California\u003c/a>, tech entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential running mate Nicole Shanahan are also major donors. Combined, they have helped the campaign rake in more than $28 million — $11 million more than their opponents a month from Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prop. 39’s supporters argue that requiring ID at polling places will ensure California’s elections are secure, and say the mandate is no different from needing an ID to fly on a plane or buy alcohol. Proponents also point out that 36 states request or require voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id\">National Conference of State Legislatures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters currently need a driver’s license and Social Security number to register to vote but not when they cast their ballots. If Prop. 39 passes, voters who mail their ballots would have to write the last four digits of their Social Security or other government-issued number on their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12095745\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12095745\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s a long-awaited moment for the state’s weak Republican Party which has fought for decades to put a voter ID measure on the ballot in deep blue California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Assemblymember \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/carl-demaio-161014\">Carl DeMaio\u003c/a>, a Republican, created Reform California and is spearheading the initiative. The freshman San Diego lawmaker’s group funded the ballot operation that collected more than a million signatures to qualify the measure after similar proposals failed in the Democratic-controlled Legislature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Common Cause and other voting rights groups that oppose the measure fear Prop. 39 would unnecessarily block from voting citizens who can’t find or don’t have a government-issued ID. They argue that this would disproportionately impact, and unfairly penalize, people who recently moved, changed their last name or are low income — and other groups who historically have supported Democrats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Civil rights advocates also argue the measure is unnecessary because voter fraud is rare.[aside postID=news_12103195 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260226-GovRaceForum-56-BL_qed-1.jpg']“You are more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to commit voter fraud in a U.S. election,” California League of Women Voters executive director Jenny Farrell said. “There’s no need to add on these additional burdens and security checkpoints in California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite numerous studies showing there is \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f\">no widespread evidence\u003c/a> of voter fraud in U.S. elections, Claremont McKenna College political scientist John Pitney said such claims have circulated for decades in far-right circles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Attempts to constrict voter laws through ballot measures have increased in some states ever since the expansion of voting rights to African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But fears about voter fraud accelerated during the first Trump administration when the president falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen. Shortly after, DeMaio and other GOP lawmakers introduced unsuccessful bills to tighten voter restrictions before he pivoted to orchestrating a citizen-led ballot initiative last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Recently Trump has promoted the idea that large numbers of undocumented people are voting, for which there isn’t any evidence,” Pitney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure>\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://calmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/030326_Voter-ID-Presser_FG_CM_08-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A lawmaker, wearing a black suit with a striped yellow tie, stands behind a lectern while surrounded by people holding blue and yellow signs that say "REQUIRE VOTER ID."\" />\u003cfigcaption>Assemblymember Carl DeMaio announces that supporters of the CA Voter ID Initiative will submit more than 1.3 million signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot during a press conference at the west steps of the state Capitol in Sacramento on March 3, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Democrats bankrolling the opposition to Prop. 39 are also a who’s who of California politics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state Democratic Party is by far the largest contributor at nearly $5.5 million, followed by the Sonoma-area Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria with $2 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Longtime Democratic donors Patty Quillin, a film producer and wife of Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, and Quinn Delaney, a real estate investor and philanthropist, have each pitched in $1.5 million. Labor heavyweights such as the Service Employees International Union have contributed $1 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Democratic gubernatorial candidate \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/tag/xavier-becerra/\">Xavier Becerra\u003c/a> and Democratic Assembly Speaker \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/robert-rivas-165041\">Robert Rivas\u003c/a> have created a joint committee to raise money for the No campaign and U.S. Sen Alex Padilla is stumping at events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearly 90% of Californians now vote by mail, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/historical-absentee\">secretary of state’s office\u003c/a>. That means the vast majority of voters would be required to write their Social Security or driver’s license number on their ballot should the initiative pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people aren’t going to be comfortable with that, No on 39 campaign spokesperson Tenoch Flores said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is about creating new avenues to reject valid mail ballots,” Flores said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yes on 39” spokesperson Meredith Shields told CalMatters that no one from the campaign could be made available for an interview. DeMaio declined an interview with CalMatters for this story. Uihlein did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The biggest donor\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Megadonor Uihlein and his wife, founders of the Wisconsin-based packaging company Uline, have poured millions into the Restoration of America PAC, a super PAC that frequently bankrolls Republican candidates in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Uihleins have \u003ca href=\"https://www.fec.gov/data/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00571588&contributor_name=uihlein&two_year_transaction_period=2026\">donated $35 million to the PAC\u003c/a> this year alone, and Prop. 39 is the latest target in their effort to fund agenda-setting conservative causes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shanahan, an attorney and the former wife of Google executive Sergey Brin, has funneled $370,000 into the Yes campaign, while the Winklevoss brothers have each contributed $250,000.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The interest from the ultra-wealthy in Prop. 39 is a sign that the GOP could be looking to replicate a similar playbook in toss-up states, Sonoma State University political science Professor David McCuan said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Republican proponents want to see how well or poorly voter ID does in Democratic-heavy California. If it does better than expected, that might mean a similar ballot measure could be fairly popular in more moderate battleground states, such as Michigan,Wisconsin or Pennsylvania.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a spillover effect if you do better than expected, even if you lose,” McCuan said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Election security becomes about Trump\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several Republican states moved to expand voter restrictions after the 2020 election, including Wyoming, Kentucky and Oklahoma. And while voter sentiment toward Trump is at historic lows, the GOP was surprisingly successful at getting the voter ID measure on the California ballot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The “Yes on 39” TV campaign has \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts64oxA4neQ\" data-type=\"link\" data-=\"\">begun airing ads\u003c/a> distancing the measure’s supporters from Trump, while the No campaign released an \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjk5YyP7FYM\">ad airing in the Bay Area\u003c/a> featuring images of Trump and characterizations of Prop. 39 as a “power grab.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12101931\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12101931\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot. \u003ccite>(Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’ll likely still be a tough road ahead for the Yes campaign. The default position for most voters is “no” on ballot propositions, meaning supporters of the measure will have to persuade enough voters to agree with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An April poll by the \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2d964377\">UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies\u003c/a> showed Californians broadly support requiring voters to present identification at the polls, but it found that support dipped below 50% when respondents were given specific details about the measure, such as that it’s meant to combat alleged voter fraud. A \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/publication/ppic-statewide-survey-californians-and-their-government-september-2026/\">Public Policy Institute of California\u003c/a> poll in September found support for Prop. 39 has dropped to 43%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this could be effective at turning out liberal voters, it’s unclear how even a hot-button issue will be enough to get Republicans out in a midterm election cycle with an unpopular president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s hard to pass a red-coded measure in a blue wave election,” Pitney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-election-voter-id-proposition-39/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Republican megadonors are boosting California’s voter ID measure in the hopes its success, or failure, can reveal how similar measures can perform in more moderate states.",
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"title": "Why Are Out-of-State Billionaires Funding a California Voter ID Measure? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to know who’s who in Republican politics? Look no further than the megadonors bankrolling \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>’s voter ID initiative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Illinois billionaire packing supply magnate Richard Uihlein, who has poured tens of millions of dollars into conservative causes, has contributed $17 million to the campaign for \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2026/proposition-39-voter-id/\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a GOP-backed ballot measure to require voters to show a driver’s license or other government ID to vote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Uihlein’s involvement and that of other deep-pocketed Republican donors is a signal that conservatives view Prop. 39 as a test of support for future battleground states in the broader push by President Donald Trump to tighten voter restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Uihlein is joined by Southern California businessman Steven Bray, who loaned the campaign more than $3 million and gave $50,000 outright. The right-wing political group \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-republican-endorsements/\">Reform California\u003c/a>, tech entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential running mate Nicole Shanahan are also major donors. Combined, they have helped the campaign rake in more than $28 million — $11 million more than their opponents a month from Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prop. 39’s supporters argue that requiring ID at polling places will ensure California’s elections are secure, and say the mandate is no different from needing an ID to fly on a plane or buy alcohol. Proponents also point out that 36 states request or require voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id\">National Conference of State Legislatures\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters currently need a driver’s license and Social Security number to register to vote but not when they cast their ballots. If Prop. 39 passes, voters who mail their ballots would have to write the last four digits of their Social Security or other government-issued number on their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12095745\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12095745\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s a long-awaited moment for the state’s weak Republican Party which has fought for decades to put a voter ID measure on the ballot in deep blue California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Assemblymember \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/carl-demaio-161014\">Carl DeMaio\u003c/a>, a Republican, created Reform California and is spearheading the initiative. The freshman San Diego lawmaker’s group funded the ballot operation that collected more than a million signatures to qualify the measure after similar proposals failed in the Democratic-controlled Legislature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Common Cause and other voting rights groups that oppose the measure fear Prop. 39 would unnecessarily block from voting citizens who can’t find or don’t have a government-issued ID. They argue that this would disproportionately impact, and unfairly penalize, people who recently moved, changed their last name or are low income — and other groups who historically have supported Democrats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Civil rights advocates also argue the measure is unnecessary because voter fraud is rare.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“You are more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to commit voter fraud in a U.S. election,” California League of Women Voters executive director Jenny Farrell said. “There’s no need to add on these additional burdens and security checkpoints in California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite numerous studies showing there is \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/voter-fraud-election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-7fcb6f134e528fee8237c7601db3328f\">no widespread evidence\u003c/a> of voter fraud in U.S. elections, Claremont McKenna College political scientist John Pitney said such claims have circulated for decades in far-right circles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Attempts to constrict voter laws through ballot measures have increased in some states ever since the expansion of voting rights to African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But fears about voter fraud accelerated during the first Trump administration when the president falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen. Shortly after, DeMaio and other GOP lawmakers introduced unsuccessful bills to tighten voter restrictions before he pivoted to orchestrating a citizen-led ballot initiative last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Recently Trump has promoted the idea that large numbers of undocumented people are voting, for which there isn’t any evidence,” Pitney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure>\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://calmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/030326_Voter-ID-Presser_FG_CM_08-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A lawmaker, wearing a black suit with a striped yellow tie, stands behind a lectern while surrounded by people holding blue and yellow signs that say "REQUIRE VOTER ID."\" />\u003cfigcaption>Assemblymember Carl DeMaio announces that supporters of the CA Voter ID Initiative will submit more than 1.3 million signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot during a press conference at the west steps of the state Capitol in Sacramento on March 3, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Democrats bankrolling the opposition to Prop. 39 are also a who’s who of California politics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state Democratic Party is by far the largest contributor at nearly $5.5 million, followed by the Sonoma-area Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria with $2 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Longtime Democratic donors Patty Quillin, a film producer and wife of Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, and Quinn Delaney, a real estate investor and philanthropist, have each pitched in $1.5 million. Labor heavyweights such as the Service Employees International Union have contributed $1 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Democratic gubernatorial candidate \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/tag/xavier-becerra/\">Xavier Becerra\u003c/a> and Democratic Assembly Speaker \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/legislators/robert-rivas-165041\">Robert Rivas\u003c/a> have created a joint committee to raise money for the No campaign and U.S. Sen Alex Padilla is stumping at events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nearly 90% of Californians now vote by mail, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/historical-absentee\">secretary of state’s office\u003c/a>. That means the vast majority of voters would be required to write their Social Security or driver’s license number on their ballot should the initiative pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many people aren’t going to be comfortable with that, No on 39 campaign spokesperson Tenoch Flores said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is about creating new avenues to reject valid mail ballots,” Flores said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yes on 39” spokesperson Meredith Shields told CalMatters that no one from the campaign could be made available for an interview. DeMaio declined an interview with CalMatters for this story. Uihlein did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The biggest donor\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Megadonor Uihlein and his wife, founders of the Wisconsin-based packaging company Uline, have poured millions into the Restoration of America PAC, a super PAC that frequently bankrolls Republican candidates in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Uihleins have \u003ca href=\"https://www.fec.gov/data/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00571588&contributor_name=uihlein&two_year_transaction_period=2026\">donated $35 million to the PAC\u003c/a> this year alone, and Prop. 39 is the latest target in their effort to fund agenda-setting conservative causes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Shanahan, an attorney and the former wife of Google executive Sergey Brin, has funneled $370,000 into the Yes campaign, while the Winklevoss brothers have each contributed $250,000.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The interest from the ultra-wealthy in Prop. 39 is a sign that the GOP could be looking to replicate a similar playbook in toss-up states, Sonoma State University political science Professor David McCuan said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Republican proponents want to see how well or poorly voter ID does in Democratic-heavy California. If it does better than expected, that might mean a similar ballot measure could be fairly popular in more moderate battleground states, such as Michigan,Wisconsin or Pennsylvania.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a spillover effect if you do better than expected, even if you lose,” McCuan said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Election security becomes about Trump\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several Republican states moved to expand voter restrictions after the 2020 election, including Wyoming, Kentucky and Oklahoma. And while voter sentiment toward Trump is at historic lows, the GOP was surprisingly successful at getting the voter ID measure on the California ballot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The “Yes on 39” TV campaign has \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts64oxA4neQ\" data-type=\"link\" data-=\"\">begun airing ads\u003c/a> distancing the measure’s supporters from Trump, while the No campaign released an \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjk5YyP7FYM\">ad airing in the Bay Area\u003c/a> featuring images of Trump and characterizations of Prop. 39 as a “power grab.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12101931\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12101931\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot. \u003ccite>(Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’ll likely still be a tough road ahead for the Yes campaign. The default position for most voters is “no” on ballot propositions, meaning supporters of the measure will have to persuade enough voters to agree with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An April poll by the \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2d964377\">UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies\u003c/a> showed Californians broadly support requiring voters to present identification at the polls, but it found that support dipped below 50% when respondents were given specific details about the measure, such as that it’s meant to combat alleged voter fraud. A \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/publication/ppic-statewide-survey-californians-and-their-government-september-2026/\">Public Policy Institute of California\u003c/a> poll in September found support for Prop. 39 has dropped to 43%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this could be effective at turning out liberal voters, it’s unclear how even a hot-button issue will be enough to get Republicans out in a midterm election cycle with an unpopular president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s hard to pass a red-coded measure in a blue wave election,” Pitney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-election-voter-id-proposition-39/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "cautiously-optimistic-the-latest-on-el-nino-and-tahoes-ski-season",
"title": "‘Cautiously Optimistic’: The Latest on El Niño and Tahoe’s Ski Season",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Will this ski season be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096560/el-nino-snow-weather-forecast-sierra-nevada-tahoe-california-ski-pass-winter-2026-2027\">best ever\u003c/a>? Or, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099961/scientists-warn-this-years-el-nino-can-trigger-unprecedented-flooding\">report\u003c/a> after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">report\u003c/a> of a “super El Niño” that will slam the West Coast with rain and snow, will skiers’ expectations pale in comparison to reality?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The answer, OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto said, is still far from clear. And for him, a big part of this uncertainty is that “we don’t have much data on strong El Niños.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, there have only really been four winters since 1970 to be considered “strong” El Niños, Allegretto said. Of those, half produced above-average snowfall, including the \u003ca href=\"https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/10-deepest-winters-recent-history/\">1982-83 season\u003c/a>, when total snowfall came in at 170% of average. But the other half produced below-average snowfall. And going back to 1950, he sees four of seven “strong” El Niños resulting in big snow years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12077403\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ski area at Homewood has closed due to poor snow conditions as viewed on April 14, 2021, in Homewood, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you were just going to look historically, there’s no clear signal,” he said. “They haven’t been consistent as far as snowfall.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That said, the two years that did overproduce did so … \u003cem>enormously\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you were to look at the average … it’s like 138% of average snowfall, but that isn’t fair to the years that are below-average,” he said. “Because there’s so much that can happen in the middle of the year that can affect our weather pattern.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#open\">When are Tahoe ski resorts scheduled to open?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That was the case with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2016/01/01/461693346/ski-resorts-see-slight-thaw-after-chilling-effect-of-climate-change\">2015-16 season\u003c/a>, Allegretto said. There was a similar air of hype around El Niño conditions, but ultimately, the winter’s snowfall was just 97% of average, slightly \u003cem>below \u003c/em>a typical year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So what does today’s forecast mean for ski season? Allegretto breaks it down below.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the El Niño forecast saying today?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, Allegretto warned that it takes three consecutive months of higher-than-normal ocean surface temperatures before one can even declare an El Niño — let alone a “strong” or “very strong” El Niño.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So far, he said, water temperatures are about 2.2 degrees above average. The 2015-16 season was 2.3 degrees above the average. If we reach 2.5 degrees above normal, he said, that would be a record. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“At the end of September, it was the warmest the water has been at this point in the fall along the equator where they measure,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033987\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sierra snow scene near Lake Tahoe, late December, 2015. (Courtesy Mikee Gildea)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/el-nino-rain-california-22465614.php\">Monday’s updated models\u003c/a> showed even more reason to believe it will be an unusually wet winter. But it’s not yet clear if that trend will continue — or what other factors will be in play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We had a ‘super’ El Niño in 15-16 with below-average snowfall,” he said. “But there were things happening that year in the Atlantic and the Northern Pacific that were messing with the weather pattern. And it was causing most of the storms to go to the north of California and the Pacific Northwest.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s tough to know is whether this season’s El Niño pattern will be the most prevailing, or if other weather systems in January or February will interfere. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In theory, Allegretto said, this year’s El Niño “should be the most dominant factor.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, he said he is only “cautiously optimistic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think we will see above average snow and rain,” he said. “But am I willing to say that we’re going to get a year like 1982-83?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“No,” he said. “Only very risky people say those kinds of things.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All in all, Allegretto said he is “pretty excited” for the ski season. After all, as OpenSnow’s expert on California and the Lake Tahoe region, it’s \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe/post/44538\">his job to update skiers and snowboarders\u003c/a> about the winter weather. This week, he started \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe\">posting his weekly forecasts\u003c/a> and said that come opening day at ski resorts in November, he will start posting daily.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just hope the storms stay cold enough, the snow levels stay low, and we don’t end up with a bunch of rain,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Allegretto isn’t the only one hedging. In a \u003ca href=\"https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/atqfkmbd/#Slides_6\">recent earnings call\u003c/a>, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz told investors that sales of Epic Passes, which give local skiers access to three Lake Tahoe resorts, are 12% down this year. Katz attributed the drop in part to last year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077367/tahoe-ski-resorts-closing-dates-2026-heavenly-palisades-homewood-closed-weather-snow-forecast-storms\">disappointing snowfall\u003c/a>, which closed many resorts prematurely. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, Allegretto said strong El Niños tend to produce the most snowfall in February and January, calling them “make-or-break months.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, he was careful not to overstate the possibility of a banger ski season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just don’t hype, even if it looks like it’s going to be a decent year,” Allegretto said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He even warned that too much snow could bring different problems for skiers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You don’t want too much snow because then the ski resorts are closed, the highway’s closed,” he said. “I just prefer good storms that are easy to chase.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You only need shin-deep powder to have fun,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"open\">Those California ski resort opening dates so far:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mammoth Mountain: Nov. 13\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Heavenly Ski Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Northstar California Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Palisades Tahoe: Nov. 25\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Dec. 4\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Will this ski season be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096560/el-nino-snow-weather-forecast-sierra-nevada-tahoe-california-ski-pass-winter-2026-2027\">best ever\u003c/a>? Or, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099961/scientists-warn-this-years-el-nino-can-trigger-unprecedented-flooding\">report\u003c/a> after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">report\u003c/a> of a “super El Niño” that will slam the West Coast with rain and snow, will skiers’ expectations pale in comparison to reality?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The answer, OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto said, is still far from clear. And for him, a big part of this uncertainty is that “we don’t have much data on strong El Niños.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The answer, OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto said, is still far from clear. And for him, a big part of this uncertainty is that “we don’t have much data on strong El Niños.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, there have only really been four winters since 1970 to be considered “strong” El Niños, Allegretto said. Of those, half produced above-average snowfall, including the \u003ca href=\"https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/10-deepest-winters-recent-history/\">1982-83 season\u003c/a>, when total snowfall came in at 170% of average. But the other half produced below-average snowfall. And going back to 1950, he sees four of seven “strong” El Niños resulting in big snow years.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, there have only really been four winters since 1970 to be considered “strong” El Niños, Allegretto said. Of those, half produced above-average snowfall, including the \u003ca href=\"https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/10-deepest-winters-recent-history/\">1982-83 season\u003c/a>, when total snowfall came in at 170% of average. But the other half produced below-average snowfall. And going back to 1950, he sees four of seven “strong” El Niños resulting in big snow years.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12077403\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ski area at Homewood has closed due to poor snow conditions as viewed on April 14, 2021, in Homewood, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12077403\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ski area at Homewood has closed due to poor snow conditions as viewed on April 14, 2021, in Homewood, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So if you were just going to look historically, there’s no clear signal,” he said. “They haven’t been consistent as far as snowfall.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“So if you were just going to look historically, there’s no clear signal,” he said. “They haven’t been consistent as far as snowfall.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That said, the two years that did overproduce did so … \u003cem>enormously\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That said, the two years that did overproduce did so … \u003cem>enormously\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you were to look at the average … it’s like 138% of average snowfall, but that isn’t fair to the years that are below-average,” he said. “Because there’s so much that can happen in the middle of the year that can affect our weather pattern.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If you were to look at the average … it’s like 138% of average snowfall, but that isn’t fair to the years that are below-average,” he said. “Because there’s so much that can happen in the middle of the year that can affect our weather pattern.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#open\">When are Tahoe ski resorts scheduled to open?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#open\">When are Tahoe ski resorts scheduled to open?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That was the case with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2016/01/01/461693346/ski-resorts-see-slight-thaw-after-chilling-effect-of-climate-change\">2015-16 season\u003c/a>, Allegretto said. There was a similar air of hype around El Niño conditions, but ultimately, the winter’s snowfall was just 97% of average, slightly \u003cem>below \u003c/em>a typical year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That was the case with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2016/01/01/461693346/ski-resorts-see-slight-thaw-after-chilling-effect-of-climate-change\">2015-16 season\u003c/a>, Allegretto said. There was a similar air of hype around El Niño conditions, but ultimately, the winter’s snowfall was just 97% of average, slightly \u003cem>below \u003c/em>a typical year.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So what does today’s forecast mean for ski season? Allegretto breaks it down below.\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "What is the El Niño forecast saying today?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the El Niño forecast saying today?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the El Niño forecast saying today?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First, Allegretto warned that it takes three consecutive months of higher-than-normal ocean surface temperatures before one can even declare an El Niño — let alone a “strong” or “very strong” El Niño.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First, Allegretto warned that it takes three consecutive months of higher-than-normal ocean surface temperatures before one can even declare an El Niño — let alone a “strong” or “very strong” El Niño.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So far, he said, water temperatures are about 2.2 degrees above average. The 2015-16 season was 2.3 degrees above the average. If we reach 2.5 degrees above normal, he said, that would be a record. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So far, he said, water temperatures are about 2.2 degrees above average. The 2015-16 season was 2.3 degrees above the average. If we reach 2.5 degrees above normal, he said, that would be a record. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“At the end of September, it was the warmest the water has been at this point in the fall along the equator where they measure,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“At the end of September, it was the warmest the water has been at this point in the fall along the equator where they measure,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033987\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sierra snow scene near Lake Tahoe, late December, 2015.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy Mikee Gildea)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033987\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sierra snow scene near Lake Tahoe, late December, 2015.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy Mikee Gildea)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/el-nino-rain-california-22465614.php\">Monday’s updated models\u003c/a> showed even more reason to believe it will be an unusually wet winter. But it’s not yet clear if that trend will continue — or what other factors will be in play.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/el-nino-rain-california-22465614.php\">Monday’s updated models\u003c/a> showed even more reason to believe it will be an unusually wet winter. But it’s not yet clear if that trend will continue — or what other factors will be in play.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We had a ‘super’ El Niño in 15-16 with below-average snowfall,” he said. “But there were things happening that year in the Atlantic and the Northern Pacific that were messing with the weather pattern. And it was causing most of the storms to go to the north of California and the Pacific Northwest.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We had a ‘super’ El Niño in 15-16 with below-average snowfall,” he said. “But there were things happening that year in the Atlantic and the Northern Pacific that were messing with the weather pattern. And it was causing most of the storms to go to the north of California and the Pacific Northwest.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What’s tough to know is whether this season’s El Niño pattern will be the most prevailing, or if other weather systems in January or February will interfere. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>What’s tough to know is whether this season’s El Niño pattern will be the most prevailing, or if other weather systems in January or February will interfere. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In theory, Allegretto said, this year’s El Niño “should be the most dominant factor.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In theory, Allegretto said, this year’s El Niño “should be the most dominant factor.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Still, he said he is only “cautiously optimistic.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think we will see above average snow and rain,” he said. “But am I willing to say that we’re going to get a year like 1982-83?\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I think we will see above average snow and rain,” he said. “But am I willing to say that we’re going to get a year like 1982-83?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“No,” he said. “Only very risky people say those kinds of things.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“No,” he said. “Only very risky people say those kinds of things.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What does all this mean for skiing this winter?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All in all, Allegretto said he is “pretty excited” for the ski season. After all, as OpenSnow’s expert on California and the Lake Tahoe region, it’s \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe/post/44538\">his job to update skiers and snowboarders\u003c/a> about the winter weather. This week, he started \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe\">posting his weekly forecasts\u003c/a> and said that come opening day at ski resorts in November, he will start posting daily.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All in all, Allegretto said he is “pretty excited” for the ski season. After all, as OpenSnow’s expert on California and the Lake Tahoe region, it’s \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe/post/44538\">his job to update skiers and snowboarders\u003c/a> about the winter weather. This week, he started \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe\">posting his weekly forecasts\u003c/a> and said that come opening day at ski resorts in November, he will start posting daily.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just hope the storms stay cold enough, the snow levels stay low, and we don’t end up with a bunch of rain,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I just hope the storms stay cold enough, the snow levels stay low, and we don’t end up with a bunch of rain,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Allegretto isn’t the only one hedging. In a \u003ca href=\"https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/atqfkmbd/#Slides_6\">recent earnings call\u003c/a>, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz told investors that sales of Epic Passes, which give local skiers access to three Lake Tahoe resorts, are 12% down this year. Katz attributed the drop in part to last year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077367/tahoe-ski-resorts-closing-dates-2026-heavenly-palisades-homewood-closed-weather-snow-forecast-storms\">disappointing snowfall\u003c/a>, which closed many resorts prematurely. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Allegretto isn’t the only one hedging. In a \u003ca href=\"https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/atqfkmbd/#Slides_6\">recent earnings call\u003c/a>, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz told investors that sales of Epic Passes, which give local skiers access to three Lake Tahoe resorts, are 12% down this year. Katz attributed the drop in part to last year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077367/tahoe-ski-resorts-closing-dates-2026-heavenly-palisades-homewood-closed-weather-snow-forecast-storms\">disappointing snowfall\u003c/a>, which closed many resorts prematurely. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In general, Allegretto said strong El Niños tend to produce the most snowfall in February and January, calling them “make-or-break months.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In general, Allegretto said strong El Niños tend to produce the most snowfall in February and January, calling them “make-or-break months.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Still, he was careful not to overstate the possibility of a banger ski season.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Still, he was careful not to overstate the possibility of a banger ski season.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just don’t hype, even if it looks like it’s going to be a decent year,” Allegretto said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I just don’t hype, even if it looks like it’s going to be a decent year,” Allegretto said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He even warned that too much snow could bring different problems for skiers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He even warned that too much snow could bring different problems for skiers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You don’t want too much snow because then the ski resorts are closed, the highway’s closed,” he said. “I just prefer good storms that are easy to chase.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You only need shin-deep powder to have fun,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“You only need shin-deep powder to have fun,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Those California ski resort opening dates so far:",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"open\">Those California ski resort opening dates so far:\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"open\">Those California ski resort opening dates so far:\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mammoth Mountain: Nov. 13\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Mammoth Mountain: Nov. 13\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Heavenly Ski Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Heavenly Ski Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Northstar California Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Northstar California Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Palisades Tahoe: Nov. 25\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Palisades Tahoe: Nov. 25\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Dec. 4\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Dec. 4\u003c/p>\n"
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Will this ski season be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096560/el-nino-snow-weather-forecast-sierra-nevada-tahoe-california-ski-pass-winter-2026-2027\">best ever\u003c/a>? Or, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099961/scientists-warn-this-years-el-nino-can-trigger-unprecedented-flooding\">report\u003c/a> after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">report\u003c/a> of a “super El Niño” that will slam the West Coast with rain and snow, will skiers’ expectations pale in comparison to reality?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The answer, OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto said, is still far from clear. And for him, a big part of this uncertainty is that “we don’t have much data on strong El Niños.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, there have only really been four winters since 1970 to be considered “strong” El Niños, Allegretto said. Of those, half produced above-average snowfall, including the \u003ca href=\"https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/10-deepest-winters-recent-history/\">1982-83 season\u003c/a>, when total snowfall came in at 170% of average. But the other half produced below-average snowfall. And going back to 1950, he sees four of seven “strong” El Niños resulting in big snow years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12077403\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/TahoeSnowGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ski area at Homewood has closed due to poor snow conditions as viewed on April 14, 2021, in Homewood, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you were just going to look historically, there’s no clear signal,” he said. “They haven’t been consistent as far as snowfall.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That said, the two years that did overproduce did so … \u003cem>enormously\u003c/em>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you were to look at the average … it’s like 138% of average snowfall, but that isn’t fair to the years that are below-average,” he said. “Because there’s so much that can happen in the middle of the year that can affect our weather pattern.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#open\">When are Tahoe ski resorts scheduled to open?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That was the case with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2016/01/01/461693346/ski-resorts-see-slight-thaw-after-chilling-effect-of-climate-change\">2015-16 season\u003c/a>, Allegretto said. There was a similar air of hype around El Niño conditions, but ultimately, the winter’s snowfall was just 97% of average, slightly \u003cem>below \u003c/em>a typical year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So what does today’s forecast mean for ski season? Allegretto breaks it down below.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the El Niño forecast saying today?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, Allegretto warned that it takes three consecutive months of higher-than-normal ocean surface temperatures before one can even declare an El Niño — let alone a “strong” or “very strong” El Niño.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So far, he said, water temperatures are about 2.2 degrees above average. The 2015-16 season was 2.3 degrees above the average. If we reach 2.5 degrees above normal, he said, that would be a record. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“At the end of September, it was the warmest the water has been at this point in the fall along the equator where they measure,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12033987\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/SierraSnow2-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sierra snow scene near Lake Tahoe, late December, 2015. (Courtesy Mikee Gildea)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/el-nino-rain-california-22465614.php\">Monday’s updated models\u003c/a> showed even more reason to believe it will be an unusually wet winter. But it’s not yet clear if that trend will continue — or what other factors will be in play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We had a ‘super’ El Niño in 15-16 with below-average snowfall,” he said. “But there were things happening that year in the Atlantic and the Northern Pacific that were messing with the weather pattern. And it was causing most of the storms to go to the north of California and the Pacific Northwest.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s tough to know is whether this season’s El Niño pattern will be the most prevailing, or if other weather systems in January or February will interfere. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In theory, Allegretto said, this year’s El Niño “should be the most dominant factor.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, he said he is only “cautiously optimistic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think we will see above average snow and rain,” he said. “But am I willing to say that we’re going to get a year like 1982-83?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“No,” he said. “Only very risky people say those kinds of things.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skiing-winter\">What does all this mean for skiing this winter?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All in all, Allegretto said he is “pretty excited” for the ski season. After all, as OpenSnow’s expert on California and the Lake Tahoe region, it’s \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe/post/44538\">his job to update skiers and snowboarders\u003c/a> about the winter weather. This week, he started \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe\">posting his weekly forecasts\u003c/a> and said that come opening day at ski resorts in November, he will start posting daily.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just hope the storms stay cold enough, the snow levels stay low, and we don’t end up with a bunch of rain,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Allegretto isn’t the only one hedging. In a \u003ca href=\"https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/atqfkmbd/#Slides_6\">recent earnings call\u003c/a>, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz told investors that sales of Epic Passes, which give local skiers access to three Lake Tahoe resorts, are 12% down this year. Katz attributed the drop in part to last year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077367/tahoe-ski-resorts-closing-dates-2026-heavenly-palisades-homewood-closed-weather-snow-forecast-storms\">disappointing snowfall\u003c/a>, which closed many resorts prematurely. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, Allegretto said strong El Niños tend to produce the most snowfall in February and January, calling them “make-or-break months.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, he was careful not to overstate the possibility of a banger ski season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just don’t hype, even if it looks like it’s going to be a decent year,” Allegretto said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He even warned that too much snow could bring different problems for skiers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You don’t want too much snow because then the ski resorts are closed, the highway’s closed,” he said. “I just prefer good storms that are easy to chase.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You only need shin-deep powder to have fun,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"open\">Those California ski resort opening dates so far:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mammoth Mountain: Nov. 13\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Heavenly Ski Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Northstar California Resort: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: Nov. 20\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Palisades Tahoe: Nov. 25\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Dec. 4\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "muir-woods-night-tour-tickets-final-event-2026-october-30",
"title": "Mark Your Calendar: The Final Muir Woods Night Tour of the Year Goes on Sale Soon",
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"headTitle": "Mark Your Calendar: The Final Muir Woods Night Tour of the Year Goes on Sale Soon | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The last of Muir Woods National Monument’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081094/muir-woods-night-tour-tickets-reservations-behind-the-scenes\">incredibly popular night tours\u003c/a> is taking place right before Halloween — and the park has just changed the process for snagging the tickets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Park ranger Siena Hinshelwood told KQED that the new sign-up process is moving to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">Recreation.gov page\u003c/a>, the same site where campers can book sites at federal campgrounds. Previously, slots for the Muir Woods night tour were available to reserve through \u003ca href=\"http://nps.gov\">nps.gov\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 30 will now be released at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and will cost $1. The tour was previously free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078116\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. The guided hike takes visitors through the redwood forest after hours, focusing on nocturnal wildlife and the ecosystem at night. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The night tour, which typically sells out immediately, takes hikers through the old-growth part of the park to observe and enjoy the redwood forest at dusk. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It lasts about two hours and takes hikers through two miles of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove. The hike is mostly flat with one section of stairs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the past, sign-ups for the tour have been extremely competitive, so getting a ticket right when they’re released is critical. This is also the last tour of the year, Hinshelwood confirmed, before 2027 dates are finalized.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to (maybe) get tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the new process, registration for the tour opens on \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">recreation.gov\u003c/a> two weeks before at 2 p.m. — rather than the previous opening time of 8 a.m. The tour is capped at just 30 people total, but 25 tickets will be released on that day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Missed out on the first round? The remaining five tickets will be released at midnight the day before the tour — in this case, on Thursday, Oct. 29. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, if you missed out on the first round of tickets, try logging in the night before for a second chance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When registering, you can request tickets for up to four people. You’ll also have to pay a $1 nonrefundable reservation fee per person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For the best chances at these highly coveted tickets, make sure to create an account with \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a> ahead of time, be logged in several minutes before the tickets are released and have your payment information ready. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While parking reservations are typically required at Muir Woods before 6 p.m., you don’t need one to attend this event unless you plan on visiting the park more than an hour beforehand. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you miss out on these tickets, don’t stress. Many other park \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm\">tours are happening all the time at Muir Woods,\u003c/a> including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>“Welcome to The Woods” 15-minute talks: Offered daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (and at 3:15 p.m. starting in May)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>One-hour ranger tours: Offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Occasional Muir Woods Junior Ranger Days with activities for all ages\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The last of Muir Woods National Monument’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081094/muir-woods-night-tour-tickets-reservations-behind-the-scenes\">incredibly popular night tours\u003c/a> is taking place right before Halloween — and the park has just changed the process for snagging the tickets.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Park ranger Siena Hinshelwood told KQED that the new sign-up process is moving to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">Recreation.gov page\u003c/a>, the same site where campers can book sites at federal campgrounds. Previously, slots for the Muir Woods night tour were available to reserve through \u003ca href=\"http://nps.gov\">nps.gov\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Park ranger Siena Hinshelwood told KQED that the new sign-up process is moving to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">Recreation.gov page\u003c/a>, the same site where campers can book sites at federal campgrounds. Previously, slots for the Muir Woods night tour were available to reserve through \u003ca href=\"http://nps.gov\">nps.gov\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 30 will now be released at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and will cost $1. The tour was previously free.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 30 will now be released at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and will cost $1. The tour was previously free.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078116\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. The guided hike takes visitors through the redwood forest after hours, focusing on nocturnal wildlife and the ecosystem at night.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078116\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. The guided hike takes visitors through the redwood forest after hours, focusing on nocturnal wildlife and the ecosystem at night.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The night tour, which typically sells out immediately, takes hikers through the old-growth part of the park to observe and enjoy the redwood forest at dusk. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The night tour, which typically sells out immediately, takes hikers through the old-growth part of the park to observe and enjoy the redwood forest at dusk. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It lasts about two hours and takes hikers through two miles of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove. The hike is mostly flat with one section of stairs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It lasts about two hours and takes hikers through two miles of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove. The hike is mostly flat with one section of stairs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the past, sign-ups for the tour have been extremely competitive, so getting a ticket right when they’re released is critical. This is also the last tour of the year, Hinshelwood confirmed, before 2027 dates are finalized.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the past, sign-ups for the tour have been extremely competitive, so getting a ticket right when they’re released is critical. This is also the last tour of the year, Hinshelwood confirmed, before 2027 dates are finalized.\u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to (maybe) get tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the new process, registration for the tour opens on \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">recreation.gov\u003c/a> two weeks before at 2 p.m. — rather than the previous opening time of 8 a.m. The tour is capped at just 30 people total, but 25 tickets will be released on that day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the new process, registration for the tour opens on \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">recreation.gov\u003c/a> two weeks before at 2 p.m. — rather than the previous opening time of 8 a.m. The tour is capped at just 30 people total, but 25 tickets will be released on that day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Missed out on the first round? The remaining five tickets will be released at midnight the day before the tour — in this case, on Thursday, Oct. 29. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Missed out on the first round? The remaining five tickets will be released at midnight the day before the tour — in this case, on Thursday, Oct. 29. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So, if you missed out on the first round of tickets, try logging in the night before for a second chance.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When registering, you can request tickets for up to four people. You’ll also have to pay a $1 nonrefundable reservation fee per person. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For the best chances at these highly coveted tickets, make sure to create an account with \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a> ahead of time, be logged in several minutes before the tickets are released and have your payment information ready. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While parking reservations are typically required at Muir Woods before 6 p.m., you don’t need one to attend this event unless you plan on visiting the park more than an hour beforehand. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you miss out on these tickets, don’t stress. Many other park \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm\">tours are happening all the time at Muir Woods,\u003c/a> including:\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "When tickets for the park’s coveted night tour go on sale, and how to increase your chances of securing them. ",
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"title": "Mark Your Calendar: The Final Muir Woods Night Tour of the Year Goes on Sale Soon | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The last of Muir Woods National Monument’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081094/muir-woods-night-tour-tickets-reservations-behind-the-scenes\">incredibly popular night tours\u003c/a> is taking place right before Halloween — and the park has just changed the process for snagging the tickets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Park ranger Siena Hinshelwood told KQED that the new sign-up process is moving to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">Recreation.gov page\u003c/a>, the same site where campers can book sites at federal campgrounds. Previously, slots for the Muir Woods night tour were available to reserve through \u003ca href=\"http://nps.gov\">nps.gov\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 30 will now be released at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and will cost $1. The tour was previously free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078116\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-62-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. The guided hike takes visitors through the redwood forest after hours, focusing on nocturnal wildlife and the ecosystem at night. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The night tour, which typically sells out immediately, takes hikers through the old-growth part of the park to observe and enjoy the redwood forest at dusk. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It lasts about two hours and takes hikers through two miles of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove. The hike is mostly flat with one section of stairs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the past, sign-ups for the tour have been extremely competitive, so getting a ticket right when they’re released is critical. This is also the last tour of the year, Hinshelwood confirmed, before 2027 dates are finalized.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to (maybe) get tickets for the last Muir Woods night tour of 2026\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the new process, registration for the tour opens on \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460\">recreation.gov\u003c/a> two weeks before at 2 p.m. — rather than the previous opening time of 8 a.m. The tour is capped at just 30 people total, but 25 tickets will be released on that day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Missed out on the first round? The remaining five tickets will be released at midnight the day before the tour — in this case, on Thursday, Oct. 29. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, if you missed out on the first round of tickets, try logging in the night before for a second chance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When registering, you can request tickets for up to four people. You’ll also have to pay a $1 nonrefundable reservation fee per person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For the best chances at these highly coveted tickets, make sure to create an account with \u003ca href=\"http://recreation.gov\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a> ahead of time, be logged in several minutes before the tickets are released and have your payment information ready. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While parking reservations are typically required at Muir Woods before 6 p.m., you don’t need one to attend this event unless you plan on visiting the park more than an hour beforehand. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you miss out on these tickets, don’t stress. Many other park \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm\">tours are happening all the time at Muir Woods,\u003c/a> including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>“Welcome to The Woods” 15-minute talks: Offered daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (and at 3:15 p.m. starting in May)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>One-hour ranger tours: Offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Occasional Muir Woods Junior Ranger Days with activities for all ages\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "katie-porter-backs-sen-scott-wiener-in-san-francisco-congressional-race",
"title": "Katie Porter Backs Sen. Scott Wiener in San Francisco Congressional Race",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Katie Porter is no longer in the running for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082619/gubernatorial-candidate-katie-porter-fields-questions-on-housing-gas-prices-ai-agenda-at-kqed-town-hall\">California governor\u003c/a>, but the former Southern California congresswoman is staying active in politics by backing state Sen. Scott Wiener in his bid to represent San Francisco in Washington. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The latest endorsement comes a month out from Election Day in the race between Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who are vying to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives. The former speaker of the House is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062796/nancy-pelosi-leaves-congress-after-38-years-defining-generations-of-democratic-power\">retiring\u003c/a> after nearly four decades in San Francisco’s congressional seat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Right now, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are ripping away healthcare and raising costs on working people. We need representatives in Washington who won’t back down and who know how to win,” said Porter, who represented Orange County in Congress from 2019 to 2025. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Scott will be a fighter for San Francisco families in Congress — on housing, on healthcare and on the cost of living — and I’m proud to endorse him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Scott Wiener speaks during an election night event at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on June 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The race between Chan and Wiener, both Democrats, could be close, with Wiener showing an 11-point lead, according to a September poll from Tavern Research, with a margin of error of 5.2%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chan has surged in popularity since early this year, when polls showed her trailing Wiener and former candidate Saikat Chakrabarti, who lost in the June primary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She got a big boost in May from Pelosi, who has endorsed Chan as her successor, and has also nabbed endorsements from many labor unions and politicians like former Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Jackie Speier.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener has outraised his opponent, but Chan has found an audience in part by highlighting her own background, underscoring her experience as an immigrant and working mom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She has also blasted Wiener for his ties to the tech industry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102416/san-francisco-congressional-hopefuls-debate-ai-billionaires-and-of-course-housing\">recent debate\u003c/a> hosted by KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle, Chan repeatedly asked audiences, “Can we trust politicians who are bankrolled by the AI industry? The answer is no, we cannot.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the same event, Wiener emphasized housing projects that Chan has blocked, saying the supervisor has stymied opportunities to build more homes at a time when the city is facing an affordability crisis and housing shortage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Porter, a consumer protection attorney and law professor, specifically pointed to Wiener’s legislative record on housing, healthcare and transit as her reasons for backing him. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener “has written the laws that are getting homes built in San Francisco and California, and he has taken on the powerful interests that drive up what families pay for healthcare, and protected public transit that families depend on to get to school and work,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener said he was honored to have Porter’s endorsement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We share a simple belief: San Francisco should be a place where working families can afford to live and raise their kids,” Wiener said in a statement. “That means building far more homes so rents and mortgages come down, protecting and expanding healthcare people can afford and investing in public transit.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The latest endorsement comes a month out from Election Day in the race between Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who are vying to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives. The former speaker of the House is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062796/nancy-pelosi-leaves-congress-after-38-years-defining-generations-of-democratic-power\">retiring\u003c/a> after nearly four decades in San Francisco’s congressional seat. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Right now, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are ripping away healthcare and raising costs on working people. We need representatives in Washington who won’t back down and who know how to win,” said Porter, who represented Orange County in Congress from 2019 to 2025. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Scott Wiener speaks during an election night event at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chan has surged in popularity since early this year, when polls showed her trailing Wiener and former candidate Saikat Chakrabarti, who lost in the June primary. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wiener has outraised his opponent, but Chan has found an audience in part by highlighting her own background, underscoring her experience as an immigrant and working mom. \u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Katie Porter is no longer in the running for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082619/gubernatorial-candidate-katie-porter-fields-questions-on-housing-gas-prices-ai-agenda-at-kqed-town-hall\">California governor\u003c/a>, but the former Southern California congresswoman is staying active in politics by backing state Sen. Scott Wiener in his bid to represent San Francisco in Washington. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The latest endorsement comes a month out from Election Day in the race between Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who are vying to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives. The former speaker of the House is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062796/nancy-pelosi-leaves-congress-after-38-years-defining-generations-of-democratic-power\">retiring\u003c/a> after nearly four decades in San Francisco’s congressional seat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Right now, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are ripping away healthcare and raising costs on working people. We need representatives in Washington who won’t back down and who know how to win,” said Porter, who represented Orange County in Congress from 2019 to 2025. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Scott will be a fighter for San Francisco families in Congress — on housing, on healthcare and on the cost of living — and I’m proud to endorse him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085954\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/260602-DISTRICT11SCOTTWIENER-15-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Scott Wiener speaks during an election night event at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on June 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The race between Chan and Wiener, both Democrats, could be close, with Wiener showing an 11-point lead, according to a September poll from Tavern Research, with a margin of error of 5.2%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chan has surged in popularity since early this year, when polls showed her trailing Wiener and former candidate Saikat Chakrabarti, who lost in the June primary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She got a big boost in May from Pelosi, who has endorsed Chan as her successor, and has also nabbed endorsements from many labor unions and politicians like former Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Jackie Speier.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener has outraised his opponent, but Chan has found an audience in part by highlighting her own background, underscoring her experience as an immigrant and working mom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She has also blasted Wiener for his ties to the tech industry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102416/san-francisco-congressional-hopefuls-debate-ai-billionaires-and-of-course-housing\">recent debate\u003c/a> hosted by KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle, Chan repeatedly asked audiences, “Can we trust politicians who are bankrolled by the AI industry? The answer is no, we cannot.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the same event, Wiener emphasized housing projects that Chan has blocked, saying the supervisor has stymied opportunities to build more homes at a time when the city is facing an affordability crisis and housing shortage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Porter, a consumer protection attorney and law professor, specifically pointed to Wiener’s legislative record on housing, healthcare and transit as her reasons for backing him. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener “has written the laws that are getting homes built in San Francisco and California, and he has taken on the powerful interests that drive up what families pay for healthcare, and protected public transit that families depend on to get to school and work,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wiener said he was honored to have Porter’s endorsement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We share a simple belief: San Francisco should be a place where working families can afford to live and raise their kids,” Wiener said in a statement. “That means building far more homes so rents and mortgages come down, protecting and expanding healthcare people can afford and investing in public transit.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A beleaguered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a> charter school, which the state last year accused of misspending $180 million, has filed for bankruptcy after the school said negotiations broke down over its repayment of the debt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Highlands Community and Technical Schools, which serves about 2,000 adults at six campuses in the Sacramento area, remains open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Highlands is taking this step to protect our students and preserve the future of our schools,” the school’s executive director, Jonathan Raymond, said in a written statement. “The reorganization process gives us the best opportunity to remain open and continue serving students while we address the disputed financial claims through an orderly, court-supervised process.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Relocation to Sutter County?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Highlands’s quest to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2026/09/highlands-charter-school-california/\">relocate to Sutter County\u003c/a> also remains in play. The school is awaiting a decision from the Sutter County Board of Education over its petition for a new charter, under a new name: California Learning Academy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yuba City Unified School District, where Highlands hoped to expand, denied the school’s charter request in July.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[aside postID=news_12102861 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260821-FamilyFriendlySF-JY-07.jpg']\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The school filed for bankruptcy in U.S, District Court for the Eastern District of California on Sunday. A hearing is set for Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In its filing, the school said it has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, including the California Department of Education and Twin Rivers Unified School District, which currently holds the school’s charter. The Department of Education is demanding $243 million, according to the filing, and Twin Rivers says it’s owed $2.4 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Highlands disputes the charges. The Department of Education had no comment on the matter and Twin Rivers Unified did not respond by deadline for a request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Auditor’s findings\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The case stems from a 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2024-106/\">California State Auditor report\u003c/a> that accused Highlands leadership of misstating the school’s attendance, essentially collecting state money for students who didn’t exist. The auditor also accused the school of hiring unqualified teachers and engaging in nepotism in hiring and contracting. Among other questionable expenses, the school spent $1.2 million at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego and paid for board trips to Paris and Hawaii, according to the auditor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The school has addressed 18 of the auditor’s 19 recommendations, Raymond said, and it appealed the remaining one, which is the alleged misuse of funds. The state’s Education Audit Appeals Panel is expected to release a ruling soon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the audit, Highlands has replaced all of its senior staff and moved to replace unqualified teachers with those who have, or are working toward, credentials, Raymond said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Founded in 2014, Highlands serves adults seeking a high school diploma, English classes or job skills. Many of its students are immigrants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2026/10/highlands-charter-school-california-2/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A beleaguered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a> charter school, which the state last year accused of misspending $180 million, has filed for bankruptcy after the school said negotiations broke down over its repayment of the debt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Highlands Community and Technical Schools, which serves about 2,000 adults at six campuses in the Sacramento area, remains open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Highlands is taking this step to protect our students and preserve the future of our schools,” the school’s executive director, Jonathan Raymond, said in a written statement. “The reorganization process gives us the best opportunity to remain open and continue serving students while we address the disputed financial claims through an orderly, court-supervised process.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Relocation to Sutter County?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Highlands’s quest to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2026/09/highlands-charter-school-california/\">relocate to Sutter County\u003c/a> also remains in play. The school is awaiting a decision from the Sutter County Board of Education over its petition for a new charter, under a new name: California Learning Academy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yuba City Unified School District, where Highlands hoped to expand, denied the school’s charter request in July.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The school filed for bankruptcy in U.S, District Court for the Eastern District of California on Sunday. A hearing is set for Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In its filing, the school said it has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, including the California Department of Education and Twin Rivers Unified School District, which currently holds the school’s charter. The Department of Education is demanding $243 million, according to the filing, and Twin Rivers says it’s owed $2.4 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Highlands disputes the charges. The Department of Education had no comment on the matter and Twin Rivers Unified did not respond by deadline for a request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Auditor’s findings\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The case stems from a 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2024-106/\">California State Auditor report\u003c/a> that accused Highlands leadership of misstating the school’s attendance, essentially collecting state money for students who didn’t exist. The auditor also accused the school of hiring unqualified teachers and engaging in nepotism in hiring and contracting. Among other questionable expenses, the school spent $1.2 million at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego and paid for board trips to Paris and Hawaii, according to the auditor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The school has addressed 18 of the auditor’s 19 recommendations, Raymond said, and it appealed the remaining one, which is the alleged misuse of funds. The state’s Education Audit Appeals Panel is expected to release a ruling soon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the audit, Highlands has replaced all of its senior staff and moved to replace unqualified teachers with those who have, or are working toward, credentials, Raymond said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Founded in 2014, Highlands serves adults seeking a high school diploma, English classes or job skills. Many of its students are immigrants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/education/2026/10/highlands-charter-school-california-2/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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