Absentee Ballot Request - San Bernardino, CA

Elections and Campaign Finance California 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In San Bernardino, California, voters may request an absentee ballot (commonly called a vote-by-mail ballot) if they prefer to vote from home or cannot vote in person on election day. This guide explains who can request a ballot, how to apply, key deadlines, and what to do if you miss a deadline or encounter problems. For official county procedures and to download the vote-by-mail application, see the county registrar and the California Secretary of State guidance linked below. San Bernardino County Vote-by-Mail[1] California Secretary of State — Vote by Mail[2]

Who is eligible

Any registered voter in San Bernardino County may request a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters may request a single election ballot or sign up to receive ballots for all elections (permanent vote-by-mail status) depending on county procedures and state law.

How to request and deadlines

  • Request deadline: follow the county registrar's published deadline for each election; check the county page for specific dates.[1]
  • Methods to request: online application, mail, fax, or in person at the registrar's office depending on county options.
  • Permanent vote-by-mail: voters may apply to receive a ballot automatically for future elections; procedures and form availability are set by county.
  • Tracking and replacements: use county tracking tools or contact the registrar if a ballot does not arrive in time.
Request your ballot early to allow time for mail delivery and return.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of absentee ballot rules is handled by state and county authorities. Specific monetary fines and criminal penalties for misuse or fraud are governed by California election law and prosecutable by the county District Attorney; the county registrar provides reporting and administrative pathways but does not list statutory fine amounts on its public guidance pages.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited county or state pages; statutory penalties appear in California election statutes and related criminal code sections.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are governed by state law and may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on conduct; specific escalation amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include disqualification of a ballot, criminal prosecution, injunctions, or court orders as provided by state law.
  • Enforcers and complaints: the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters administers ballot processes and the county District Attorney investigates election crimes; complaints and reports are routed through the registrar and law enforcement.
  • Appeals and review: challenges to ballot determinations or election procedures can be taken to the appropriate county election officials and, if needed, through state election contest procedures or the courts; time limits for contests are set in state law and are not specified on the cited county guidance.
For suspected fraud or irregularities, contact the registrar and the county District Attorney promptly.

Applications & Forms

The common form is the vote-by-mail ballot application (often titled "Vote-by-Mail Ballot Application" or similar). The county registrar posts the application and instructions; fee information is not specified on the cited county guidance page. To obtain or submit the form, use the county registrar's vote-by-mail page or the Secretary of State's vote-by-mail resources.[1]

Action steps

  • Confirm voter registration at least weeks before the election; if needed, register or update your address with the registrar.
  • Complete the vote-by-mail application online or on paper and submit by the county deadline.
  • When you receive the ballot, follow instructions exactly: sign where required, include return envelope information, and return by mail or official dropbox.
  • If your ballot is late, request a replacement or vote provisionally in person at the registrar on election day if permitted.
Ballots returned without a required signature or with mismatched signature information may be retained as provisional or challenged.

FAQ

How do I request an absentee ballot in San Bernardino?
Submit a vote-by-mail application to the San Bernardino County Registrar by the posted deadline via the county online portal, mail, or in person; see the county vote-by-mail page for the current procedure.[1]
Can I return my absentee ballot in person?
Yes. Accepted return methods typically include U.S. mail, official ballot dropboxes, or return to the registrar's office; check county instructions for locations and deadlines.
What if my ballot is lost or not received?
Contact the San Bernardino County Registrar immediately to request a replacement ballot or guidance on voting provisionally on election day.

How-To

  1. Confirm you are a registered voter in San Bernardino County and verify your address.
  2. Complete and submit a vote-by-mail application using the county registrar's form or the Secretary of State resources.[2]
  3. Wait for the ballot to arrive; track it if tracking is available.
  4. Complete the ballot following instructions, sign the return envelope, and return it by the county deadline by mail or official dropbox.
  5. If problems occur, contact the registrar immediately for replacement ballot or provisional voting options.

Key Takeaways

  • Request early to accommodate mail timelines.
  • Use official county or state forms; follow signature instructions exactly.
  • Contact the San Bernardino County Registrar for replacements or questions.

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