SLO County ballots to arrive early; drop boxes open Oct. 1

By Staff Report · Fri Oct 02 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — San Luis Obispo County voters can expect to receive their ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election earlier than originally anticipated, with official ballot drop boxes also opening ahead of schedule.

The County Elections Office delivered ballots and County Voter Information Guides to the U.S. Postal Service’s Goleta processing facility Sept. 30. USPS was expected to begin sending the materials to voters the same day.

The county’s 18 official ballot drop boxes will open Thursday, Oct. 1, several days earlier than previously scheduled.

“We’re pleased to be able to get ballots into voters’ hands a little earlier this election,” said County  Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano. “Opening our official drop boxes at the same time means voters who  are ready to make their choices can return their ballots right away using a secure County ballot  drop box.” 

Voters may return their ballots as soon as they receive them. The Elections Office recommends using an official drop box or returning ballots in person to the Elections Office. Voters who choose to mail their ballots are encouraged to allow sufficient time for delivery and mail them at least one week before Election Day.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, the Clerk-Recorder’s regular office hours will change, with the office closing to the public at 4 p.m. weekdays. A dedicated Elections service window at the San Luis Obispo office will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through the completion of the election canvass in late November.

The service window and full Elections Center will also be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. On Election Day, Nov. 3, the Elections service window will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A satellite Elections Office in Atascadero will open Monday, Oct. 26, providing North County voters with an additional location for in-person election services during the final week of voting. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The county said the Atascadero location is opening later in the election cycle than in some previous years based on historically lighter use during the earlier weeks of voting.

For current information about ballot drop boxes, polling places, voting hours and other election services, voters can visit SloVote.gov/November2026