There are many reasons that a voter might need to use an out-of-state mailing address to receive their election material. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Did you know that while all voters must be registered where they live, some voters might also have out-of-state mailing addresses?

We know this might sound a little confusing but it’s actually quite simple, so let’s break it down.

What this means is that a voter who permanently resides in Sacramento County might choose to receive their election ballot, voter information guide and other materials at an address that is not their registered residence.

There are many reasons that a voter might need to use an out-of-state mailing address to receive their election material. This includes students attending college, workers on an extended work assignment, retirees enjoying a seasonal trip and/or voters temporarily caring for an out-of-county family member.

Voters who find themselves out of state unexpectedly or on short notice during an election could also request a one-time mailing address to receive their ballot at their temporary location.

To maintain an accurate voter file, Voter Registration and Elections (VRE) reviews the voter file for out-of-state mailing addresses after each general election. This month, Voter Registration and Elections will send a letter to every voter with an out-of-state mailing address. This letter gives them the opportunity to let us know whether their out-of-state mailing address is correct, and they would like to maintain their Sacramento County voter registration; if they would like to update their voter registration (residential) address; or if they have registered or plan to register to vote in a different state and wish to cancel their Sacramento County voter registration.

We use the information from the responses to these letters to ensure that our voter file is as accurate and up to date as possible. 

For more information on Voter File Maintenance, visit elections.saccounty.gov/ElectionInformation/Pages/Voter-File-Maintenance.aspx

A voter can add or remove a mailing address by calling Voter Registration and Elections at any time at 800-762-8019; re-registration is not necessary.

If you have moved and need to update your voter registration, visit registertovote.ca.gov, call our office to request a registration form or visit any Post Office or library.