Long Ballots in Orange County Equal More Time Spent in Voting Booth

SANTA ANA, CA – October 25, 2006; Many ballot types in Orange County are extremely long for the November 7, 2006 General Election. Voters may see up to 16 screens on the electronic ballot. A longer ballot means voters will spend more time in the voting booth thereby increasing lines at the polling places.

“We have seen that it is taking people longer than usual to vote during the first days of Early Voting and want to make sure voters are aware prior to Election Day,” said Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley. “The long ballots coupled with printing on the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail are increasing voters’ time in the booth,” he continued.

The busiest hours at the polling places on Election Day are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If at all possible the Registrar suggests that voters vote between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Alternatives to voting in the polling place on Election Day include Early Voting and Absentee Voting (Vote-by-mail). Early Voting is taking place now and is continuing through Sunday, October 29 th and that the last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 31st.

To Request an Absentee Ballot:

Visit www.ocvote.com. You may print the request form and either mail or fax it in to (714) 567-5100. If a voter does not have Internet access they may simply write the request and either mail or fax it to us by the deadline. The voter must make sure they give us their name (in print), address (both registration and mailing) and signature on the note.

Come to the Registrar of Voters office located at:

1300 – C South Grand Avenue
Santa Ana

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Early Voting Locations

Early Voting locations and times can be found at www.ocvote.com

In addition the Early Voting mobile unit will be at:

- Santa Ana College
1530 West 17 th Street, Santa Ana
Thursday, October 26 th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

- Huntington Beach City Hall (Parking Lot)
Saturday, October 28 th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

- Saint Joachim Church
(Parking Lot Entrance behind church)
1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa
Sunday, October 29th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.