 This week I received my ballot for the November 17th Santa Cruz City School District Parcel Tax Election. This election is by mail only. In the white envelope from the elections department, I received my ballot, a green envelope for returning my voted ballot, and a voter information pamphlet. The voter pamphlet mailed with the ballot was printed too small. So the printers reissuing the pamphlets at the correct size in a separate mailing. Depending on where you live, you will get a ballot with either just measure O or one with both measure O and measure P. Voting is quick and easy. Use an ink pen and draw one line connecting the head and tail of the arrow pointing to your choice. Tear the stub off of your completed ballot and keep it for your records. Be sure to sign and date the green envelope. Don't let someone else sign your envelope for you. Your signature has to compare to the one on your voter registration card. There are four options for returning your ballot. The first is to mail your ballot early to be sure it is received on time. To be counted, your ballot must be postmarked on or before election day, November 17th, and received by the elections department by Friday, November 20th. The second option is to drop your ballot off at the white mailbox in front of the county building. The 24-hour dropbox is available until 8 p.m., election day, Tuesday, November 17th. The third option is to return your ballot in person before and including election day at the county elections department or the city clerk's offices in Santa Cruz or Capitola. You may personally drop it off or a relative or someone who lives with you may return it for you. The fourth option is to return your ballot in person on election day. There will be two voter assistance centers, one at the county elections department and the other at the First Congressional Church of Soquel. These sites will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for voters who need a ballot, want to drop off their voted ballot or who want to cast a vote on the touchscreen voting unit that allows a person with a disability to vote independently and privately. If you are not registered to vote or a moved or changed your name, the deadline to register to vote or update your registration for this election is Monday, November 2nd. You can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov or by calling the elections department at 454-2060 or email at registervoteatvotescount.com. For more information, visit us online at votescount.com. If you have not received your ballot, please contact our office. Voting is your right. And it's your responsibility. So be a voter.