Click here to apply for a Remote Accessible Vote by Mail Ballot.

Frequently Asked Questions: Remote Accessible Vote by Mail

1. Who is eligible to use the Remote Accessible Vote by Mail (RAVBM) system?

Any registered Placer County voter is eligible for the Remote Accessible Vote by Mail system. The voter must have internet access and a printer to mark, print, and return their ballot for counting. To apply for a Remote Accessible Vote by Mail ballot, use the application linked above in the gray box.

To register to vote, please go to https://registertovote.ca.gov/.

2. Which web browsers and screen readers can I use with the RAVBM system?

The RAVBM system will work on any operating system and is compatible with any screen reader on the market. The major browsers it has been tested with are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari.

3. When will the RAVBM system be available?

Ballots are available through this system beginning 29 days before the election and ending at 8:00 PM on Election Day.

4. Will I still receive my vote-by-mail ballot packet in the mail if I use RAVBM?

Yes, all voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot packet in the mail that includes a paper ballot, a postage-paid return envelope, and voting instructions. Applying for RAVBM does not affect this.

5. How do I access my ballot through the RAVBM system?

Beginning 29 days before the election, RAVBM voters will receive an email with detailed instructions and a link to their ballot materials. Once at the RAVBM website, you will need to affirm your eligibility and input your information to access your ballot.

6. How do I return my ballot?

Once you finish marking your ballot, you must print out your ballot. Return it to the Elections Office, either by mail or in person, so it can be counted.

A. RETURNING YOUR BALLOT BY MAIL

1. Print the Envelope Wrap Around Image, which is available through the RAVBM system.
2. Complete the Declaration/Oath of Voter.
   1. Please note that your voted ballot cannot be counted unless the Declaration/Oath of Voter is completed, signed, and sent with the ballot. The signature on your Declaration/Oath of Voter must compare to the signature on your voter record.  If you are unable to sign, make your “mark” in the signature box and have a witness sign at the bottom.
3. Seal your voted ballot and signed Declaration/Oath of Voter in an envelope.
4. Attach the Envelope Wrap Around Image to your sealed envelope.
   1. If you decide not to use the Envelope Wrap Around Image, place the voted ballot and Declaration/Oath of Voter in an envelope, then address it to:
      
      Placer County Elections Office
      3715 Atherton Road Ste 2
      Rocklin CA 95765
      
      
5. The Envelope Wrap Around Image is postage paid and ready to be mailed.

B. RETURNING YOUR BALLOT IN PERSON

1. Follow steps 1–4 in “Returning your ballot by mail” above.
2. Bring the ballot/envelope to one of the following locations:
   • Any Placer County official drop box location or vote center
   • The Placer County Elections Office in Rocklin
   • As a final option, any out-of-county vote center, polling place, drop box, or ballot drop-off location in California

7. When is the deadline to return the ballot?

All RAVBM ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within seven days of the election to be considered timely. All RAVBM ballots submitted in person must be delivered before 8:00 PM on Election Day, or they cannot be counted. Completed voting packets must include both the voted ballot and a signed Oath of Voter statement.

8. How will the Elections Office process my ballot?

Once the Elections Office receives your RAVBM ballot, the signature on the return envelope will be compared to the signature on your voter record, and if necessary, any signatures used on previous voter registration affidavits. After signature verification, to preserve the secrecy of the votes, the Elections Office will remove and separate the ballot from the return envelope that has your name, address, and signature. Once extracted, the ballot moves forward in the counting process. The entire process is open to public observation for transparency.

9. Is the RAVBM system secure?

Yes. The RAVBM system provided by the Elections Office has been certified by the California Secretary of State for use in California. To ensure the privacy of voters’ selections, the RAVBM system does not store or transmit voters’ selections over the internet. Although the RAVBM system allows voters to access and mark their ballots using any computer and their own assistive devices, the system does not allow electronic voting.

10. What if I have questions or need help?

If you have questions about the Remote Accessible Vote by Mail (RAVBM) system, please contact the Elections Office. Our office is open and available for calls Monday through Friday, 8 AM through 5 PM.

• Phone: 530-886-5650 (toll-free at 1-800-824-8683)
• TTY/Voice Communication: 1-800-877-8339
• Email: [email protected]
• In person: 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765