Voter's Choice Act
Your Voice, Your Choice
The California Voter’s Choice Act became law in 2016 to make voting more convenient and accessible. Before moving to the Voter's Choice Act, 64% of Sacramento County voters already permanently voted by mail. Vote Centers will open two weekends before Election Day so voters can vote on a day that fits with their busy schedule.
- You choose how to vote: through the mail, Official Ballot Drop Box location, or Vote Center.
- You choose when to vote: you now have 11 days to vote at any Vote Center location in Sacramento. Election Day hours are still 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- You can vote early or on Election Day at a location close to home, work, or anywhere in the County!
- You choose where to vote: Voters can visit any Vote Center in the County.
- Get the support you need: Vote Center staff will be there to help you have a great voting experience, including providing assistance in multiple languages, helping voters with disabilities, and updating your voter registration information.
Election Administration Plan
As a part of the implementation of the Voter's Choice Act, the County of Sacramento Voter Registration and Elections Department has prepared the Election Administration Plan in coordination with community members and is currently in review by the Secretary of State.
Date | Election | Budget |
|---|---|---|
November 4, 2025 | Statewide Special Election | $10,843,148 |
June 2, 2026 | Statewide Direct Primary Election | $18,276,626 |
November 3, 2026 | General Election |
|
You'll have the opportunity to vote at any Vote Center located throughout Sacramento County. Including the opportunity to vote 10 days before Election Day and on weekends.
Think of a Vote Center as your one-stop location for all things voting.
Unlike traditional polling places, Vote Centers allow you to:
- vote
- solve voter registration issues
- register to vote
- get a replacement ballot
- receive assistance for 11 days, not just one
- save valuable time
Voting Options
Your voice, your choice.
Vote Centers mean more options for voters. Elections are no longer a one-day event. Voting begins the month before Election Day when every voter in the County of Sacramento will receive a Vote by Mail ballot. Take advantage of the alternatives available to avoid congestion - from voting at home, ballot drop off locations, in-person voting options, returning your ballot via the United States Postal Service, or personally deliver your ballot to us - the choice is yours.
Site Selection Considerations
- Vote Center and ballot drop off location proximity to public transportation.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with historically low vote by mail usage.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to population centers.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to language minority communities.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to voters with disabilities.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with low rates of household vehicle ownership.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to low-income communities.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities of eligible voters who are not registered to vote and may need access to same day voter registration.
- Vote Center and ballot dropoff location proximity to geographically isolated populations, including Native American reservations.
- Access to accessible and free parking at Vote Centers and ballot dropoff locations.
If you know of a location that meets these considerations, we want to hear from you!
Read More information about Vote Center Locations
Vote Centers are the Better Choice
Vote Centers are designed to improve the voter experience. Polling places were a mainstay of voting for many years, but the use of them has dropped dramatically. Voters are gravitating towards convenience, and are voting their Vote by Mail ballot. In many instances, are dropping it off or mailing it, rather than voting in-person. Vote Centers adopt these changes and offer many more conveniences.
Features:
Polling Place, Vote Center
- Electronic voting system
- Drop off ballot at any location
- Accessible ballot marking device
Vote Center
- Ballot printing on demand allows you to get your correct ballot:
- Electronic check-in
- Conditional voting
- Trained Vote Center staff
- Vote at any location
- Multi-day voting
Public meetings are being conducted to gather input.
California law, Elections Code 4005(a)(9)(A) and Elections Code 4005(a)(9)(B), requires extensive public outreach during the transition to Vote Centers. The County of Sacramento is working diligently with the community to gather input on Vote Center placement. All meetings are designed to help shape the future of voting in the County of Sacramento.
Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC)
The County of Sacramento Voter Registration and Elections Department established a Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) in 2017 to assist and advise county elections officials on existing programs to reach voters with limited-English proficiency.
Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC)
The County of Sacramento Voter Registration and Elections Department has established a citizen advisory committee to make recommendations for improving access to voting and election materials. This Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee, or VAAC, is designed to advise and assist in ensuring all voters in Sacramento County can vote independently and privately.