Voting in District 5
Nearly every vote in Madera County is cast by mail. Here's exactly how to make sure yours counts on November 3.
How voting works, step by step
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Early October
Your ballot arrives by mail
Every active registered voter in Madera County is mailed a ballot automatically. Watch your mailbox in early October — and vote early if you're ready. You can return it by mail (no stamp needed), at any official drop box, or at a vote center.
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October 19
Last day to register the easy way
October 19 is the deadline to register (or update your address) and still receive a ballot by mail. Missed it? California allows same-day conditional registration at vote centers through Election Day.
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November 3
Election Day
Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 3 (or dropped off by 8:00 p.m.). Vote centers are open if you prefer to vote in person or need a replacement ballot.
Official Tools
Three links every D5 voter should have
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Track your ballot
Sign up with California's official Where's My Ballot? service and get a text or email when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted.
california.ballottrax.net -
Register or check your registration
Confirm you're registered at your current address in about two minutes.
registertovote.ca.gov -
Drop boxes, vote centers & official county info
The Madera County Elections Division has official drop box locations, vote center hours, and answers to every voting question.
votemadera.com
One more thing: sign your envelope
Mail ballots are only counted if the signature on the envelope matches your registration. If there's ever a problem, the county will contact you with a chance to fix ("cure") it — so make sure your contact info is current at votemadera.com.
What does a County Supervisor actually do?
The Board of Supervisors is the county's governing body — five members, each representing a district. Supervisors adopt the county budget — including the funding for the Sheriff's Office and county fire services — oversee road maintenance, decide land-use and housing questions, and direct services for families, seniors, and veterans.
In other words: roads, public safety, wildfire readiness, housing, and how your county tax dollars get spent. It's the level of government closest to daily life in District 5 — which is why this race matters more than its place on the ballot might suggest.
Vote for Mel Barker for District 5 Supervisor
Ballots mail in early October. Vote by November 3.