BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — A variety of voting centers and conveniently located ballot drop-off boxes have been set up across the county to assist Butte County voters during this election. These facilities aim to make the voting process more accessible and efficient, ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to participate.
“A voter assistance center, while you can still vote in-person and it does all the things a polling place used to do, it does so much more than that,” said Keaton Denlay, Butte County Registrar of Voters.
As Election Day approaches, Voter Assistance Centers are here to support Butte County residents with a range of valuable services. These centers provide language assistance, along with ballot marking devices to make casting a vote easier and more accessible.
Additionally, residents can register to vote on-site, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard.
Previously, the County Clerk-Recorder announced low ballot collection throughout the county. The centers provide a convenient way to assist residents who may face various challenges.
“We try to place them in proximity to areas with low vehicle ownership, places that generally used polling places in the past and had more in-person turnout versus vote by mail. We also try to place them in close proximity to public transportation where possible,” Denlay said.
Keaton Denlay, the Butte County Registrar of Voters, says voter trends can vary dramatically from one election year to the next. He points out that many voters choose to return their ballots by mail or utilize ballot drop-off boxes.
Furthermore, the assistance centers play a vital role in enhancing election security.
“If a voter wants the in-person experience they can certainly get that there, but if they didn’t receive their ballots, or they didn’t register in time for us to mail them one. As long you’re using that return envelope, you will have tracking information on your ballot,” Denlay explained.
Voting centers currently open until election day are located at the following:
Oroville:
- Hall of Records, 155 Nelson Avenue
Chico:
- Chico Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Avenue
Paradise:
- Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall, 6550 Skyway
Four-day voting assistance centers are set to open Nov. 2 at the following locations:
Chico:
- Chico First Baptist Church, 850 Palmetto Avenue
- Chico State BMU, W. 2nd & Chestnut Street
- Elks Lodge, 1705 Manzanita Avenue
- Sol Mexican Grill, 3269 Esplanade
- Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair Street
Durham:
- Durham Veterans Memorial Hall, 9319 Midway
Gridley:
- Butte County Fairgrounds, 199 E. Hazel Street
Oroville:
- Lake Oroville Golf & Event Center, 5131 Royal Oaks Drive
- Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers Street
A voting assistance center in Magalia will open up on election day, Nov. 5, at the Magalia Community Center on 13917 South Park Drive.
Denlay urges individuals who have yet to cast their ballots to make their way to the polls and participate.
“Your vote is your voice and I just encourage voters to get your ballots as soon as you can,” Denlay concluded.
To track your ballot, click here.