Merced registrar looks to clear up voter-drive questions
Merced County Registrar of Voters Office staffers said Friday that they want to clear up misconceptions related to voter-drive volunteers who go door to door.
There are a number of organizations making a push to register voters, according to Registrar Barbara Levey, and her office has received an increase in questions about the volunteers.
Q: Are those people county employees?
A: No. The registrar of voters does not send staff door to door to register voters or collect signatures for petitions.
Q: I was told that I wasn’t registered, but I’m sure that I am. How do I check?
A: The registrar office staff can confirm if a voter is registered. Call 209-385-7541.
Q: If I decide to register with this drive, do I have to register with the party they represent?
A: No. Anyone who registers voters must allow the new voter to pick their party of choice. The volunteers are allowed to ask people if they want to register with the party they represent, but they must leave a registration card with the new voter if requested. The volunteers must also leave the bottom portion of the form as a receipt.
Q: Can I ask them for identification?
A: Yes. Anyone participating with a voter registration drive must identify themselves and the organization to which they belong upon request.
Q: Do I fill out everything on the form?
A: The only areas on the form that are optional are for a new voter’s phone number, email address and the boxes marked “Optional A, B and C.” The only section a new voter should not fill out is the green box labeled “Did someone help you fill out or deliver this form?”
Q: Should I allow them to fill out the form?
A: That is up to the new voter. A volunteer may fill out the information if the new voter requests help. If they help, they must also fill out a section of the form identifying who they are and that they helped.
Q: Can I fill out the form later?
A: Yes. The volunteer must leave a registration form if it’s requested. The registration form includes paid postage.
Q: How can I confirm my registration information?
A: Registration drives are supposed to return their completed forms within three business days. Call the Registrar of Voters Office at 209-385-7541 after that period to confirm receipt and that the information is accurate. The office also sends out a postcard to the new voter to confirm the information is accurate.
Q: What do I do if I have a complaint?
A: If anything happens that appears to be improper or illegal, call the secretary of state’s Elections Division at 916-657-2166. Registration drives are governed by California law and violations can result in fines.
This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Merced registrar looks to clear up voter-drive questions."