Fresno County voters face a new way to get ballots, and cast them, in the March primary

In a democracy, the people hold political power. Our system allows us to choose our leaders, and hold them accountable for their decisions. We also approve policies or block them. We are active participants in this sacred process, and we the people wield this power with our votes.

This year in Fresno County, a fundamental component of this sacred process — how we vote — is changing. Approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors (acting on legislation that was approved statewide), the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) moves us from precinct-specific polling places to vote centers that are open to all voters, regardless of address.

Ten centers across the county will be open for 11 days prior to the primary election on March 3. Another 43 centers will be open for three days prior to the election, and all 53 will be open on Election Day. Additionally, 43 secured ballot drop boxes became available on Feb. 4, the day after ballots were mailed to all registered voters. A recent law in California also allows non-registered voters, or those who need to update their registration or change party preference, to do so any day up to Election Day at a vote center or the County Clerk’s Office.

The VCA doesn’t stop there. It also provides each registered voter a mail-in ballot, expands opportunities for voters with disabilities and offers more assistance to voters who speak limited English. While these moves make it easier to vote and place more power in more hands, they also might seem a little confusing and place greater responsibility in the hands of the voters. This is why a robust coalition of community-based organizations are working to get information to voters: Change is difficult, but necessary, as we should always strive to improve and protect this right, privilege and civic responsibility.

And please, don’t take these changes for granted. Voting is still an active process that requires us to take some initiative. First of all, check to make sure your registration information is up to date and correct by visiting voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. If you still have questions, call (800) 742-1011, or for local information, call (559) 600-VOTE (8683) or visit, votefresnocounty.com.

March 2020 is Fresno County’s first election under the VCA. My organization, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, is one of many conducting outreach and educating voters about this new system. We can use your help. Spread the word. Tell everyone you know.

Our coalition realizes what’s at stake. We must vote our values. We need policies that create truly affordable housing and jobs that pay the bills. We need to improve the immigration system and protect our neighbors. We need health care that helps all.

Each election we always hear something like, “This is the most important election in a generation” or words to that effect. This time, these words carry more urgency, especially in the face of climate change, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income families, and the issue is so important that the impact to our climate should be top of mind with every piece of legislation, ordinance and policy that our elected officials consider. We can’t wait any longer to protect our planet and our neighborhoods..

Let’s kick off this new decade by making our voices heard. When our communities lead, we all win. Vote your values and don’t forget to show up on Mar. 3. Our democracy depends on all of us.