Complying with Voting Laws in California

With the Presidential General Election coming up in less than two weeks, how about a quick summary of selected voting laws in the State of California for voters here in the Ventura County area. The following is a summary from the California Secretary of State's "Voting Law Compliance Handbook: A Voter's Guide to Safeguard California's Election Process" updated April 2016.

Voting at the Polls

Making the time to vote: The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you work a long shift and are unable to get to the polls to vote in a statewide election, California state law provides up to two hours of paid time off to vote. These hours must be at the beginning or end of your normal shift and you must give your employer two working days notice. 

Rewards for voting: Can the local donut shop offer a free donut if you show them that you've voted in the Presidential Election? NO! Say what!? No free donut?? Nope. Federal law prohibits anything of value given in exchange for proof of voting if there is a federal office (e.g. President, U.S. House, U.S. Senate) on the ballot. In a state or local only election, the donut offering would be o.k., just as long as it wasn't given to bribe you to vote (or not vote) for a particular candidate or measure. Speaking of donuts, or doughnuts, as it were, the new Krispy Kreme in Oxnard opened last month.

Electioneering: It is illegal to promote a candidate or measure within 100 feet of a polling place. So if you see signs or other promotional materials in the parking lot at a polling place, that is illegal. And on a side note, California law makes it illegal to "photograph, video record, or otherwise record a voter entering or exiting a polling place." So you best not be selfie-ing at a crowded polling place. 

Voting by Mail

Death and Voting:  Hypothetically, let's just say my spouse passed away two weeks ago but I received her absentee ballot in the mail. I knew who she planned to vote for, so I turned in her ballot along with mine. This is o.k., right? WRONG! You cannot vote for your deceased spouse, nor anyone else that is deceased for that matter. That said, if your spouse had completed the ballot and signed the envelope before passing, that would a legitimate ballot, as the vote-by-mail voting period opens 29 days before the election.

Returning Vote by Mail Ballots (from the Ventura County Clerk/Recorder): If you mail your absentee ballot in, allow for seven days' delivery if you can; that said, the ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than November 14, 2016. Otherwise, you can return your ballot to any of the 10 City Clerk offices in Ventura County, to the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura or at the Thousand Oaks Library. Or, you can bring them to any polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Counting the Ballots

Can I Watch? Yes, you can watch the entire process, from opening of the vote-by-mail ballot envelopes to the counting of ballots on election night, by law.  But perhaps contact the Ventura County Clerk/Recorder first.

Campaign Do's and Don'ts

Use of State Seal: It is considered election fraud to use an official government seal in campaign literature. This should be reported to the Election Fraud Investigation Unit at 916.657.2166 or call the Ventura County Clerk/Recorder.

Paycheck Inserts: It is illegal in California to attempt to influence employees to vote for or against something by inserting something in your paycheck envelope.

These are just some of the elections laws in the State of California. For more complete information, visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections.

November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election Registration and Key Voting Dates

The State of California makes it extremely simple to register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov for this coming November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election.

The system will search the DMV database for your California driver license or ID card, date of birth and last four digits of your SSN. The Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Elections Division will contact you when the registration is approved or if additional information is needed. See how easy it is at THIS LINK.

You can also register to vote the old fashioned way by picking up a paper voter registration application at the Ventura County elections office, library, DMV or post office. More information at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm.

In California, the deadline to register to vote is 15 days before Election Date. Thus, to vote in the November 8th election your registration must be electronically submitted or postmarked by October 24th. 

As of August 22, 2016*, there were 419,869 registered voters in Ventura County, up from 412,924 on June 9th. You can register as Democrat (175,256; up from 169,759), Republican (139,129; up from 138,663), Non Partisan (85,638; up from 84,615) and Other (Green, Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, American Independent) (19,846; down from 19,887).

* Update as of 10/8/16: 428,296 registered; 178,028 Democrat, 140,343 Republican, 89,190 Non Partisan and 20,735 Other.

Turnout for the 2012 General Election was 77.39%, with 426,948 registered voters and 330,419 votes cast. Turnout for the 2016 Presidential Primary Election was 51.79%, with 413,045 registered voters and 213,914 votes cast.

Visit recorder.countyofventura.org/elections to learn more information about Ventura County elections.

Transfer of Assessed Value to Taxpayers 55 and Older for New Residence Purchases in Ventura County

There are two California propositions that allow exclusions from reappraisal when selling your property in Ventura County if you are age 55 or older at the time of sale.

Proposition 60 allows transfers of base year values within the same county. Proposition 90 allows transfers from one county to another county in California (inter-county). Not all counties in California have inter-county policies; Ventura County does.

Prop 60 allows taxpayers ages 55 and older to sell their personal residence and buy a new one of equal or lesser value to transfer the "assessed" value of the former home to the new home. This can save you significantly in property taxes if the assessed value of your former home is significantly less than the current market value (as a result of Prop 13 limitations).

If you qualify, you must complete the Claim of Person(s) at Least 55 Years of Age for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Dwelling (Prop 60/90) form available on the Ventura County Assessor website at assessor.countyofventura.org/taxsavings/seniors.asp.

Here is a variety of additional details and limitations:

• Either you, or your spouse (if married) has to be 55 or older at the time of sale. It does not have to be both of you.
• Both properties must be your personal residence (e.g. not a rental property).
• This is a one time tax benefit, even if you divorce or a spouse dies. (Except if one of you subsequently becomes severely or permanently disabled, in which case if you move again you can file for relief again under Prop 110.)
• The new home or property must be purchased within 2 years of selling the old home.

More details at www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/faqs/propositions60_90.htm.

SCORE Ventura County Helps Over 1,000 Local Entrepreneurs Each Year

The Ventura County Chapter of SCORE is a 501(c)3 non-profitorganization that was founded in 1971. SCORE was founded as an organization in 1964. The organization’s 11,000 volunteers operate out of over 320 chapters through the country.

The acronym SCORE stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives. SCORE Ventura County counselors are an active group of over 60 volunteers who are retired successful business owners and managers who enjoy helping established and potential business owners achieve success.

SCORE Ventura County provides FREE individualized counseling in partnership with Chamber of Commerce offices in Camarillo, Malibu, Moorpark, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Greater Ventura County and Oxnard. Appointments can be made online at ventura.score.org/mentors.

SCORE Ventura County also provides workshops, some free and most for a small charge, for local entrepreneurs. Visit this link for upcoming events ventura.score.org/localworkshops.

In addition, the chapter is active in many other community projects such as Hispanic Programs Group, Boots2Business training for our military, collaboration with technical assistance partners at the SBA as well as working with local educational institutions.

There are many other useful resources on the SCORE Ventura County website at ventura.score.org. Call SCORE Ventura County at 805.204.6022 or visit their website for more information.

California Child Passenger Buckle-Up Laws and Seat Belt Safety Information

Booster seats save lives! Car crashes are a leading preventable cause of death and permanent injuries in children. SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. is a non-profit organization dedicated to child passenger safety. Its mission is to help reduce the number of serious and fatal traffic injuries suffered by children by promoting the correct, consistent use of safety seats and safety belts. The following information is provided courtesy of this organization. Visit www.carseat.org for more information.

California Buckle-Up Laws for Parents

Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a safety seat or booster in the back seat (V.C. 27360). Exceptions:

• A child who weighs over 40 pounds and is riding in a car without lap and shoulder belts in the back seat may wear just a lap belt.
• A child under age 8 who is at least 4' 9" may wear a safety belt if it fits properly.
• Children under age 8 may ride in front if there is no forward-facing rear seat in vehicle, the child restraint cannot be properly installed in rear seat, all rear seats are occupied by other children age 7 or under, or for medical reasons.
• A child in a rear-facing safety seat may not ride in front if there is an active passenger air bag.

NEW LAW EFFECTIVE 1/1/17: Children under 2 years old must be rear-facing unless they are 40 lbs or greater or are 40 inches in height.

Having problems with your child safety seat? Don't worry, you're not alone! Visit www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/CPSFitting/Index.cfm for a list of local safety seat inspection stations. Or try Safe Kids Ventura County, where you can schedule a car seat inspection in collaboration with the Ventura County Fire Department in Camarillo (Wednesdays 805.389.9748), Moorpark (Mondays 805.552.1917) and Thousand Oaks (Mondays 805.496.9035) by appointment.

Children age 8 or older may use the vehicle safety belt if it fits properly, with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or safety seat. (V.C. 27360.5)

Seat belt safety graphic courtesy of SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.

According to SafetyBeltSafe, most kids need to ride in a booster seat until age 10 to 12. Using a booster instead of just a belt prevents 45% of crash injuries. If your child isn't using a booster, try the following simple 5-step test:

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

Answering "no" to any of these questions indicates your child needs a booster seat.

Consequences for not properly buckling up children under age 16:

• Parent gets ticket if child under 16 is not properly buckled up.
• Driver gets ticket if parent is not in the car.
• Cost of ticket could be more than $500 per child (including penalties) and $1,000 per child for a second offense. And a point is added to your driving record.

Related information:

• Older babies and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing convertible seat until they are at least two years old.  Check seat instructions for maximum weight (30-45 lbs).
• Children should ride in a safety seat with a harness as long as possible (40-90 lbs).
• Children who have outgrown safety seats need a booster for proper belt fit (usually age 10-12)
• Auto insurers must replace safety seats that were in use or damaged during a crash.

Refresher on other vehicle and safety laws:

• Drivers and passengers 16 or older must be properly buckled up. Drivers can be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt and for each unbuckled passenger. Passengers may also be ticketed if not properly buckled up. Fine is more than $100 per person, with penalties. (V.C. 27315)
• Pickup truck passengers must be properly buckled up. The driver may be ticketed for letting passengers ride in the back of the truck. No exemption for camper shells. Cost of ticket can exceed $250, including penalties. (V.C. 23116)
• Children up to 6 years old may not be left alone in vehicle if the health or safety of child is at risk, the engine is running, or the keys are in the ignition. The child must be supervised by someone at least age 12. Cost of ticket can exceed $500. (V.C. 15620)
• Smoking in vehicle is prohibited if child under age 18 is present. Ticket can exceed $500.
• Children under age 18 who are skating or riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
• All motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet that meets federal standards, fits correctly and has the proper label.

Registering to Vote in California Takes Just a Couple of Minutes Online

The 2016 primary election took place this past Tuesday, June 7th. The U.S. Presidential election is Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

There are currently 412,924 registered voters in Ventura County, consisting of 138,663 Republicans, 169,759 Democrats, 84,615 Non Partisan and 19,887 Other. Turnout for the primary election was 47.76% (updated), which is actually a significant improvement over the Presidential primary in 2012 at 32.9%. But inversely, of course, it means that a majority of registered voters in Ventura County still did NOT vote in the primary.

The estimated 2015 population of Ventura County was just over 850,000, with roughly 70% age 18 and older. This translates into roughly 600,000 residents eligible to vote in Ventura County, This means that for every two registered voters in Ventura County, there is one unregistered voter. It also means that for every voter in the primary, there were two eligible citizens who did not take part in the voting process.

With all that said, it certainly is EASY to register to vote in California. You can register in less than five minutes online at registertovote.ca.gov. And you can also, as I did, re-register if you would like to change political affiliation, or perhaps change to "No Party Preference."

The screenshots below show you the process. You of course must be an 18+ year old U.S. Citizen on election day, a California resident, and not be deemed incompetent to vote nor happen to be a convicted felon in jail or on parole.

California Online Voter Registration - Home Page

Eligibility (1 of 3)

Eligibility (2 of 3)

Eligibility (3 of 3) - If you want no party preference, click the "No" box.

You're done! Easy peasy!

Compilation of 15 Local Conejo Valley Based Charities to Support in the New Year

As we begin a new year, let's take a look at some local non-profit 501(c)3 charities that are doing great things for the local Conejo Valley community!

The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley has supported and promoted the arts in the Conejo Valley since 1969. The non-profit works with the Conejo Recreation & Park District and Conejo Valley Unified School District in supporting local programs including children's music instruction, choral and theatre programs, youth theater, summer concerts in the park, the annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival and more.

The Conejo Valley based Center4SpecialNeeds ("Bridging the Gaps for Children with Special Needs") offers financial support, educational workshops, networking and other resources for families with children that have developmental disabilities.

The Westlake Village based Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara has provided cancer education, support and hope to thousands of local residents and their families since 1991. Programs are provided free of charge in English and Spanish.

The Conejo Free Clinic’s Medical Services Program serves over 5,000 patients each year with physician and nurse care, lab testing, imaging, prescriptions, referrals and follow up, all without charge.

Established in 1995, the Conejo Open Space Foundation raises funds to promote and maintain the open space and multi-use trails of Conejo Valley.

Founded in 1977, Hospice of the Conejo, is a volunteer hospice and grief support center providing end-of-life services to those of all ages in the community at no cost.

Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank has provided food assistance to friends and neighbors in need since it was founded in 1971.

Based in Thousand Oaks, Musicians on a Mission California provides access to music through instrument "gift-aways," mentorship, and performing opportunities for our youth and members of the community.

Since 1998, the Westlake Village based My Stuff Bags Foundation has given rescued children across the country bright blue individual duffels filled with toys, books, a stuffed animal, school supplies, clothing, personal toiletries, and a security blanked - providing a little happiness and hope to these children.

Conejo Valley based PAUSE4kids was formed in September 1999 and serves hundreds of families with special needs children in the Ventura County area. The organization's goal is to "fill the gaps" by helping to provide whatever is needed for children with special needs that is not now readily available.

With a 13 acre site in Newbury Park, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship teaches adaptive horseback riding to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and provides physical, occupational and speech therapy specializing in using the movement ofthe horse to improve specific medical conditions. Since 1994, Ride On has given over 100,000 safe, effective and individualized lessons and therapy treatments and currently serves 200 individuals each week.

Serving the Conejo Valley since 1975, non-profit Senior Concerns serves the senior community and especially frail and special-need seniors, caregivers and families by providing quality programs, appropriate resources and educational outreach. raising funds and developing and administering quality-of-life programs for seniors with special needs. All programs are offered without regard for the ability to pay. Senior Concerns serves Ventura and western Los Angeles counties, special-need seniors, families, health professionals, caregivers and the community at large.

Thousand Oaks based Many Mansions provides well-managed, service-enriched, affordable housing to low-income residents of Ventura County and its surrounding communities. 

The Thousand Oaks Police Charitable Foundation was organized to promote community welfare through support of public safety and volunteer programs.

The United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN) is a Thousand Oaks based non-profit founded by a young cancer survivor that provides support, hope and financial resources to cancer patients, warriors and survivors with any form of cancer, any age, anywhere across the country.

This list is just a fraction of the non-profit 501(c)3 organizations that operate in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Fora more comprehensive list, visit the Local Charities section of the site as well as the Local Service Organizations section.