Contra Costa County Issues Recommendations for Voting Safely in the Upcoming Recall Election

Contra Costa County is taking great steps to make voting in the September 14^th Recall Election as safe as possible. Voters will be able to use a number of methods and are encouraged to protect their health and the health of others while doing so.

Health officials say that voting by mail is the safest voting option, as it limits contact with others. The County is making voting by mail easy by sending every voter a mail-in ballot and paying for first-class return postage.

“For everyone’s safety, we are urging voters to vote by mail and to reserve in-person voting for those that require in-person services,” said Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Deborah Cooper, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting by mail protects voters, poll workers and our volunteers by limiting personal contact.  In-person voting locations will follow health protocols, which may cause delays and lines due to social distancing. The easiest and fastest way to vote for this election is to cast the ballot that we send to you by mail or into one of our official ballot boxes located throughout the County.”

Those accessing in-person services will be required to wear face coverings. If voters don’t have PPE available, the County will provide it.  All Elections staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks.  Sanitizer will be available at in-person voting locations and equipment will be sanitized regularly.

“We know some people feel it’s important to cast their votes in person, but with COVID still around and new variant complications, the safest choice this election is to vote by mail,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Health Officer for the County. “For folks who choose to go to their polling places to vote, we ask that they follow the same basic precautions they would as if they were going to the grocery store: wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and wash or sanitize your hands before and after you go.”

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website. For more information on COVID-19 in English and Spanish, residents can visit our COVID-19 website. To get vaccinated for COVID, call 833-829-2626 (for an appointment) or information. To get tested for COVID, residents can call (833) 829-2626 or go online and make an appointment.