Placer County Sample Ballot Table of Contents

Placer County Sample Ballot
Table of Contents
Polling Place Location and Voting Precinct ................................. Outside Back Cover
 Find your polling place and precinct number
How to Vote Your Ballot ........................................................... Inside Front Cover (IFC)
 Instructions on how to mark your ballot correctly
Office Hours ............................................................................... Inside Front Cover (IFC)
 Regular business hours, special holiday and weekend hours
Sample Ballot ........................................................................................ Front/Back Card
 A copy of the ballot you will be voting
Voter Information Pamphlet ................................................................................. VP XX
 Candidate statements of qualifications and local measures specific to your ballot
Ways to Return Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot ............................................................... MI.2
 New for this election – ballot drop-off locations
Top 2 Primary Information .............................................................................. MI.5, MI.6
 Frequently Asked Questions relating to California’s New Top 2 Primary
Vote-by-Mail Ballot Application ..................................................... Outside Back Cover
 Can also be used as an application to become a permanent vote-by-mail voter
Permanent Vote-by-Mail Voting ............................................... Inside Back Cover (IBC)
 Information about permanent vote-by-mail voting
Important Election Dates .......................................................... Inside Back Cover (IBC)
 A listing of important dates for voters
Looking for information not included in this pamphlet? Call us…
PLACER COUNTY OFFICE OF ELECTIONS
530-886-5650 or toll free in California 1-800-824-8683
or visit our website at www.placerelections.com
TC REP
An important message from Jim McCauley
Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters
Dear Placer County voter,
This year has seen many significant and historic changes that will have an effect on elections statewide and in Placer
County. I encourage you to read this booklet carefully to learn about important changes such as Top-Two Open Primary
Voting, and new options available to you such as downloading Placer County’s Sample Ballot Booklet from our Website:
www.placerelections.com.
The closure of US Postal centers nationwide will affect the time it takes for mailed ballots to be delivered. While we will
continue our ballot-trapping program, retrieving ballots mailed within the few days leading up to and including Election Day
from post offices in and around Placer County, and we are working on other solutions to accommodate late-mailed ballots.
I urge you to mail your Vote-by-Mail ballot as early as possible.
As County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters, it is my responsibility to provide taxpayers with superior service at the
lowest possible cost. As in past years, we continue to implement cost-saving measures, including the printing of the
Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet in black and white and on a lighter paper stock, which to date, has saved
Placer County taxpayers over $250,000. To save even more in paper and mailing costs, voters can now opt to receive
the Placer County Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet electronically or view it from our Website, instead of
receiving it by mail.
Another major cost-saving effort in recent years has been to consolidate the number of polling places. This year, the
Governor eliminated all state funding for California counties’ Vote-by-Mail programs. Rather than terminate voting by mail
for the 60 % of Placer County’s voters who are permanent Vote-by-Mail voters, we chose to fund it by consolidating 80
additional polling places. We are adding voting booths to accommodate the additional voters and placing an additional
poll worker to accept the ballots dropped off on Election Day at each consolidated poll. While some voters may have to
drive a bit further to their polling place, this measure will save Placer County taxpayers an additional $1,000,000 per
election. Please be sure to check the back cover of this pamphlet to see if your polling location has changed for this
election.
To save you time at the polls and to reduce the wait time for all voters, I encourage you to review your ballot carefully
before Election Day, pre-mark your choices onto the sample ballot in this pamphlet, and bring it with you to the polls. You
may also avoid polling place delays by requesting a Vote-by-Mail ballot. An application can be found on the back cover of
this pamphlet or by visiting our website at www.placerelections.com. The privacy flap on the Vote-by-Mail ballot envelope,
a recently-added security feature, covers your required signature to ensure its confidentiality.
The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently completed its redistricting project. To view the new supervisorial district
map, learn your supervisorial district or find out if it has changed, please go to http://www.placer.ca.gov/bos.aspx. The
Placer County Office Elections was not involved in the decisions made relating to the new supervisorial districts.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the recent changes or need assistance of any nature, please contact
the Placer County Office of Elections at 530-886-5650 or toll-free in California at 1-800-824-8683. You may also visit our
Website at www.placerelections.com to download voter registration application forms, to view information about the
candidates and ballot measures, election dates, voting instructions, polling place locations, election results, and much
more.
We are here to be of service to you. Whether you vote by mail or at the polls, your vote counts and will be counted!
Placer County traditionally has one of the highest voter turnout percentages in California—help keep that tradition alive.
Be sure to vote on Election Day!
Sincerely,
Jim McCauley, Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters
MI1
OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT
JUNE 5, 2012 - PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote for the candidate of your choice, use a pen with blue or black ink and completely darken in the OVAL to the LEFT of the candidate's name.
To vote
for a qualified WRITE-IN candidate, write the person's name in the blank space provided after the names of the other candidates and in addition, completely darken in the OVAL to the LEFT of the
candidate's name on the WRITE-IN line. To vote for or against a measure, completely darken in the OVAL next to the word "YES" or the word "NO". If you tear or wrongly mark this ballot, return it
and get another. VOTE LIKE THIS:
PLEASE FILL IN THE OVAL COMPLETELY
REPUBLICAN PARTY
VOTER-NOMINATED AND
PARTY-NOMINATED OFFICES
Only voters who disclosed a preference upon registering to vote for the
same party as the candidate seeking the nomination of any party for the
Presidency or election to a party committee may vote for that candidate at
the primary election, unless the party has adopted a rule to permit nonparty voters to vote in its primary elections.
NONPARTISAN OFFICES
NEWT GINGRICH
Republican
MITT ROMNEY
Republican
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Vote for One
CHARLES E. "BUDDY" ROEMER, III
Republican
FRED KARGER
Republican
RICK SANTORUM
Republican
WRITE-IN
CENTRAL COMMITTEE, 2ND DISTRICT
Vote for no more than Seven
DAMIAN ARMITAGE
Governing Board Member, Western Placer USD
PHYLLIS WING
Retired Business Owner
CAROL R. WILSON
Parent Educator
ROGER L. SALSTROM
University Business Professor
NOREEN S. SKILLMAN
Government Policy Consultant
SPENCER D. SHORT
Businessman
CHRISTOPHER SCHAFF
Social Media Consulant
GARY HALL
Retired Attorney
DAN CATANIA
Real Estate Investor
KEN CAMPBELL
Small Business Owner
DAVID PATTERSON
Charter School Administrator
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Vote for One
Party Preference: Libertarian
GAIL K. LIGHTFOOT
Retired Nurse
Party Preference: Democratic
DAVID ALEX LEVITT
Computer Scientist/Engineer
Party Preference: Republican
ORLY TAITZ
Doctor/Attorney/Businesswoman
Party Preference: Republican
AL RAMIREZ
Businessman
Party Preference: Republican
DIRK ALLEN KONOPIK
MBA Student
Party Preference: Republican
DONALD KRAMPE
Retired Administration Director
Party Preference: Democratic
MIKE STRIMLING
Consumer Rights Attorney
Party Preference: Democratic
DIANE STEWART
Businesswoman/Finance Manager
Party Preference: Democratic
NAK SHAH
Environmental Health Consultant
Party Preference: Republican
NACHUM SHIFREN
Educator/Author/Businessman
Party Preference: Republican
DENNIS JACKSON
Aerospace General Manager
Party Preference: Republican
DAN HUGHES
Small Business Owner
Party Preference: Republican
GREG CONLON
Businessman/CPA
Party Preference: Republican
JOHN BORUFF
Businessman
Party Preference: Republican
OSCAR ALEJANDRO BRAUN
Businessman/Rancher
Party Preference: Peace and Freedom
MARSHA FEINLAND
Retired Teacher
Party Preference: Democratic
DIANNE FEINSTEIN
United States Senator
Party Preference: Democratic
COLLEEN SHEA FERNALD
Mother/Consultant/Artist
Party Preference: Republican
ELIZABETH EMKEN
Businesswoman/Nonprofit Executive
Party Preference: Peace and Freedom
KABIRUDDIN KARIM ALI
Businessman
Party Preference: Republican
RICK WILLIAMS
Business Attorney
Party Preference: Republican
ROGELIO T. GLORIA
Graduate Student/Businessman
Party Preference: American Independent
DON J. GRUNDMANN
Doctor of Chiropractic
Party Preference: Republican
ROBERT LAUTEN
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE
4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Vote for One
JACK UPPAL
Retired Business Executive
TOM MCCLINTOCK
United States Representative
WRITE-IN
PLEASE VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT
FRONT Card 18 RptPct 261101-261101 "0261101"
Party Preference: Democratic
Party Preference: Republican
Sample Ballot
RON PAUL
All voters, regardless of the party preference they disclosed upon
registration, or refusal to disclose a party preference, may vote for any
candidate for a voter-nominated or nonpartisan office. The party
preference, if any, designated by a candidate for a voter-nominated office
is selected by the candidate and is shown for the information of the voters
only. It does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the
party or that the party approves of the candidate. The party preference, if
Republican any, of a candidate for a nonpartisan office does not appear on the ballot.
MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY
6TH DISTRICT
Vote for One
Party Preference: Republican
BETH B. GAINES
Small Business Owner
ANDY PUGNO
Small Business Owner
REGY BRONNER
Retired Business Executive
Party Preference: Republican
Party Preference: Democratic
WRITE-IN
NONPARTISAN OFFICES
JUDICIAL
Sample Ballot
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
OFFICE 2
Vote for One
GAREN HORST
Deputy District Attorney
WRITE-IN
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
OFFICE 4
Vote for One
SUZANNE GAZZANIGA
Deputy District Attorney
WRITE-IN
MEASURES SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS
STATE
28 LIMITS ON LEGISLATORS’ TERMS IN OFFICE.
INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Reduces total
amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from
14 years to 12 years. Allows 12 years’ service in one house.
Applies only to legislators first elected after measure is passed.
Fiscal Impact: No direct fiscal effect on state or local
governments.
YES
NO
29 IMPOSES ADDITIONAL TAX ON CIGARETTES FOR
CANCER RESEARCH. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Imposes
additional $1.00 per pack tax on cigarettes and an equivalent
tax increase on other tobacco products. Revenues fund
research for cancer and tobacco-related diseases. Fiscal
Impact: Net increase in cigarette excise tax revenues of about
$735 million annually by 2013-14 for certain research and
tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Other state and
local revenue increases amounting to tens of millions of dollars
annually.
YES
NO
PLEASE VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT
BACK Card 18 RptPct 261101-261101 "0261101"
VOTER PAMPHLET
The following pages contain
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS, BALLOT MEASURES, ANALYSES AND
ARGUMENTS
(whichever is applicable to your ballot)
Each candidate’s statement in this pamphlet is volunteered by the candidate and is printed at the
expense of the candidate. Since candidate statements are voluntary, not every candidate has
submitted a statement for printing in this pamphlet.
By law, candidate statements and ballot arguments are printed exactly as submitted. This includes
any spelling or grammatical errors submitted by the authors on their original documents.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF OR IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED LAWS ARE THE
OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS
Proposition 34 – Expenditure Limitations: State Legislative Candidates
Proposition 34 established
voluntary spending limits for
candidates running for
statewide office, the State
Senate and the State
Assembly. Candidates who
choose to keep their campaign
spending under specific dollar
limits are eligible to purchase
a candidate statement in the
county Sample Ballot
Pamphlet.
1st State Senate
1st State Assembly
Julie Griffith-Flatter, DEM
“Bo” Bogdan I. Ambrozewicz, NPP
Les Baugh, REP
David Edwards, GRN
Robert Meacher, DEM
Brian Dahle, REP
Rick Bosetti, REP
Charley Hooper, LIB
5th State Assembly
Kevin Lancaster, REP
Rico Oller, REP
Mark Belden, NPP
Marc Boyd, DEM
Frank Bigelow, REP
Tim (Timothy) K. Fitzgerald, DEM
The candidates listed to the
right have accepted the
voluntary campaign
expenditure limits. This
information is current as of
press time. For more
information on candidates who
have accepted the voluntary
campaign limits visit the
Secretary of State’s website at
www.sos.ca.gov.
6th State Assembly
Beth B. Gaines, REP
Regy Bronner, DEM
VP.A
Sam Aanestad
None
Elizabeth Emken
Dianne Feinstein
Robert Lauten
Marsha Feinland
Republican
Democratic
American
Independent
Peace and
Freedom
None
Tom McClintock
Jack Uppal
Tom McClintock
4th Congress
None
Les Baugh
None
Ted Gaines
1st Senate
None
5th Assembly
None
Brian Dahle
None
Rico Oller
Robert Meacher Marc Boyd
None
1st Assembly
None
Beth B. Gaines
Regy Bronner
Beth B. Gaines
6th Assembly
VP.B
The Americans Elect, Green and Libertarian parties have not submitted endorsements to the Placer County
Office of Elections.
Jim Reed
None
US Senate
PARTY
1st Congress
Party Endorsements
The Top-Two Candidates Open Primary Act was approved by the voters in June 2010 and the implementation of the Act
was directed by the approval of SB 6 (Chapter 1, Statutes of 2009), and AB 1413 (Chapter 3, Statutes of 2012). Pursuant
to Elections Code Section 13302(b) a qualified party may submit to the county elections official a list of all candidates for
voter-nominated office who will appear on a ballot in the county in question and who have been endorsed by the party.
Further, the county elections official shall print the names of the candidates for voter-nominated office who were endorsed
by that political party in the voter information portion of the sample ballot.
Where do I find candidates’ campaign finance reports?
 Campaign financial disclosure statements filed by local candidates are posted online at www.placerelections.com
 Cal-Access provides financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others and can be
found at www.sos.ca.gov
 Reports may also be obtained from the election official with whom the candidate files.
How do I contact a candidate?
 Local candidate information is posted on the Placer County Office of Elections website at www.placerelections.com
 Statewide candidate contact information is posted on the Secretary of State website at www.sos.ca.gov
 You may also call our office at 530-886-5650 or toll-free in California at 1-800-824-8683
Information for Voters
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, 4TH DISTRICT
TOM MCCLINTOCK
Occupation: United States Representative
Education and Qualifications: If more spending, borrowing and bureaucrats produces prosperity, our economy should be booming by now.
The reality is that no nation has ever taxed, spent and borrowed its way to prosperity, yet some would take us still further down this road to debt,
doubt and despair.
You sent me to Washington to fight for common-sense solutions to relieve hardworking Americans from the stifling burdens of government
bureaucracies and unleash the potential of the American people. I’ve done my best to be worthy of your trust.
But this time, something more precious than even our economy is at stake.
America’s prosperity and greatness spring from uniquely American principles of individual freedom and constitutionally limited government.
America’s Founders created a voluntary society where people are free to make their own choices, enjoy the fruit of their own labors, take
responsibility for their own decisions and lead their own lives with a minimum of governmental interference and intrusion.
Today, a very different vision competes for our future: that of a compulsory society, where our fundamental rights are subordinated to the
mandates of government bureaucrats, where innocent taxpayers are forced to bail out the bad decisions of others and where consumers are
compelled to purchase the products or underwrite the losses of politically connected companies.
This election may well decide which society we leave our children and grandchildren.
I stand with America’s Founders.
If you would like to join my campaign at www.helptom.com, I would be honored to have your support.
VP2
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
STATE ASSEMBLY, 6TH DISTRICT
BETH B. GAINES
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education and Qualifications: As a small business owner, I was appalled to see how the Legislature handles our tax dollars. Upon my
election last year, I immediately went to work to cut waste and bureaucracy and hold government accountable.
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association gives me an "A" rating because I stand up for seniors and taxpayers and oppose tax increases.
California's families, small businesses and retirees already pay too much.
CalWatchdog, the independent group that monitors state spending and regulations, called me a "hero" for providing the key vote to shut down
agencies that were wasting billions and abusing property rights.
As your representative, I'm using my small business experience to find ways to get spending under control and balance the budget. I am also
working with local businesses to help grow jobs in our area. I held the very first Northern California Women's Conference in our district.
I'm pro-business, pro-family, pro-taxpayer, a good listener and advocate for what I believe. With your support, I will continue to work to: balance
the budget, reduce regulations on small business, stop tax increases and create jobs.
I would be honored to receive your vote. Please visit www.BethGaines.com to find out more.
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
STATE ASSEMBLY, 6TH DISTRICT
REGY BRONNER
Occupation: Retired Business Executive
Education and Qualifications: My wife, Anita, and I have lived all of our lives in this remarkable area, and raised our family here. Although our
community has grown, it's time to build a smarter, stronger economy and plan for our future. We need updated solutions, to better integrate our
increasingly diverse populations and a plan to attract resources. Our Sacramento Representative must be willing to work just as hard as we do.
Our district has 25,000 unemployed, and many more underemployed who can't meet the needs of their families. Returning veterans, who've
served with selflessness, now need careers and a support system worthy of their service. And it's vital that we provide the best resources for our
children so they can compete globally and help build a strong economic base for this region. As a US Navy submarine veteran, a father looking at
the future my children face, and a son caring for my parents in uncertain times, I bring both an unshakable commitment and successful business
experience to effectively tackle the challenges ahead.
We need representation in Sacramento who will work with you full-time – developing long-term stability, bringing required resources to the
community and prioritizing the needs of our district over all else. It's time to focus on solutions and set aside differences. It's time to get the job
done.
th
Vote for a Representative who will work solely to serve the needs of our community. Elect Reginald "Regy" Bronner to the 6 Assembly District.
VP7
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT, OFFICE 2
GAREN HORST
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT, OFFICE 4
Age: 46
SUZANNE IRENE GAZZANIGA
Age: 47
Occupation: Deputy District Attorney
Occupation: Placer County Supervising Deputy District Attorney
Education and Qualifications: For the last 18 years, I have served
as a Placer County prosecutor. I have been awarded Prosecutor of
the Year both within my office and statewide. I was raised in the
Loomis area while attending St. Albans Elementary and Jesuit High
School. I earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from U.C.
Santa Barbara, and my law degree from George Washington
University, Washington, D.C.
Education and Qualifications: It has been my honor to serve as a
Placer County Prosecutor for over 15 years. Prior to my service as a
Deputy District Attorney, my legal experience included private practice
for over 4 years. I graduated from U.C.L.A. and Southwestern Law
School.
I successfully prosecuted Placer County’s first no-body homicide
involving a woman who disappeared after leaving a casino. Currently
I supervise three units in the District Attorney’s Office and contribute
to the justice system through teaching, writing, and speaking. I
created the Citizens Recognition Program honoring community
members for their courage assisting law enforcement and victims.
It would be an honor to continue pursuing justice in all aspects of law
by serving as a Judge. Principles of respect, accountability and
fairness will guide my service.
I am proud to be endorsed by so many in the community, including
Sheriff Bonner, Presiding Judge Alan Pineschi, DA Scott Owens,
former DA Brad Fenocchio, the Placer County DDA Association, and
the Deputy Sheriffs, Roseville and Auburn Police Officers
Associations.
Thank you for your consideration, and I would appreciate your vote.
I am honored to be endorsed by Sheriff Edward Bonner, District
Attorney Scott Owens, Superior Court Presiding Judge Alan Pineschi
and retired Appellate Justices Keith Sparks and Rick Sims.
I am committed to justice. I have prosecuted serious crimes including
homicide, elder abuse and domestic violence. I have been honored as
the Statewide Rural and Medium County Co-Prosecutor of the year in
2009 by the California District Attorney’s Association and received the
Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award for Elder Abuse
Prosecution in 2003.
I am committed to community. I was raised with four siblings in
Placer County where my mother taught school. I am the Past
President of the Placer County Bar Association, serve on the Placer
Breast Cancer Endowment Committee and teach at Sierra College
part-time.
My dedicated work and commitment to justice have prepared me to
serve as a Judge on the Superior Court.
Please see
http://gazzanigaforjudge.org. I would appreciate your vote on Election
Day.
www.GarenHorstforJudge.org
S/Suzanne Gazzaniga
VP8
VOTERS - there are many ways to return your vote-by-mail ballot
1.
By Mail – The ballot must be received by the Placer County Office of Elections no later than 8:00 PM on June
5, 2012. Your ballot cannot be counted if received after 8:00 PM on Election Day, regardless of the postmark.
Consider mailing back your ballot early!
2.
By You in Person Prior to Election Day – The Office of Elections (2956 Richardson Drive, Auburn) is open
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office will also be open two weekends prior to the
election (May 26th/27th and June 2nd/3rd) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Ballots may be returned to the office during
those hours. For after-hours service, the Office of Elections has a 24-hour drive-up drop-off box located in front
of our office. For directions to our office, please call 530-886-5650 or toll free in California 1-800-824-8683.

New this year…Library drop-off locations in South Placer! For this election, voters can drop off their
voted ballots one week prior to the election, starting on May 29, 2012. Signage will be at the ballot dropoff locations so voters will know where to drop their ballots inside the libraries.
Please do not drop off your voted ballots into the library book drop-off slot! Voted ballots can
only be received by the Library during regular business hours or on Election Day, June 5th.
Locations & Hours to drop off your voted ballot
TUES
WED
THUR
May 29
May 30
May 31
Granite Bay Library
11-7
11-7
11-7
6475 Douglas Blvd
Granite Bay
FRI
June 1
SAT
June 2
10-6
10-5
Martha Riley Library
1501 Pleasant
Grove Blvd
Roseville
10-7
10-7
10-5
10-5
10-5
Rocklin Library
4890 Granite Dr
Rocklin
11-7
11-7
11-7
10-6
10-5
SUN
June 3
Election Day
MON
TUES
June 4
June 5
10-7
10-6
POLLING
LOCATION
7AM-8PM
POLLING
LOCATION
7AM-8PM
3.
By Your Authorized Representative – If you are unable to deliver your ballot personally because of illness or
other physical disability, you may designate one of the following to return the ballot for you: spouse, child,
parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister or a person residing in your household. Please complete the
required information on the return envelope and have your ballot delivered by your authorized representative to
the Office of Elections or any Placer County polling location.
4.
By You in Person or By Your Authorized Representative at any Placer County Polling Location on
Election Day – Voted ballots may be returned on Election Day, June 5, 2012 to any Placer County polling
location between the hours of 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To locate your polling location visit our website at
www.placerelections.com or telephone our office at 530-886-5650 or toll free in California at 1-800-824-8683 to
locate the nearest polling location near you.
5.
By You in Person on Election Day – The Placer County Office of Elections (2956 Richardson Drive, Auburn)
will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, June 5, 2012, for any voter who:
 wishes to deliver his/her ballot in person;
 prefers to vote his/her ballot in a voting booth;
 needs a replacement ballot;
 has questions about his/her eligibility to vote; or
 requires assistance with voting.
Choose a method to return your voted ballot that is most convenient for you and have your voice heard!

MI.2
NEWS
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ON
STATEWIDE MEASURES AND CANDIDATES
This Sample Ballot pamphlet, issued by the Placer County
Office of Elections, contains information about local
candidates and local measures.
In addition, every household will be mailed one Voter
Information Guide from the Secretary of State that will
include information on statewide ballot measures, some
statewide candidates and judicial candidates.
You may also access this information by visiting the
Secretary of State’s website at www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov
or come into the Office of Elections to obtain a copy.
CHECK THE STATUS OF
YOUR
VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT
If you vote by mail, you now
have an easy way to see if the
Office of Elections has
received your ballot! This
information is available online
at www.placerelections.com.
Go to the Vote-by-Mail
Tracking link from the home
page.
If you have a question about
the status of your Vote-by-Mail
ballot or have problems
accessing the information,
please contact the Office of
Elections at 530-886-5650 or
toll-free in California at 1-800824-8683.
Vote-by-mail tracking
information will be updated
every weekday morning
beginning May 7, 2012.

Yes!
Save the paper!
Save the postage!
Save the planet!
GO GREEN! Go Paperless and get your Sample Ballot Pamphlet Online for the next scheduled election.
The Placer County Registrar of Voters is excited to announce that voters now have the option of
receiving their Sample Ballot Pamphlets electronically.
For more information and to sign-up, visit our Website at www.placerelections.com. It’s paperless and
good for the planet; it’s convenient and very flexible; it’s your choice, and it saves tax dollars!
VOTERS……Vote on June 5th!
MI.3
VOTER FILE MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION: If a voter has not voted
in any election within the preceding
four years, and his/her residence
address, name, or party affiliation has
not been updated during that time, the
county elections official may send an
alternative residency confirmation
postcard. The notice is used to enable
the voter to verify or correct his/her
address information. If no confirmation
is received by the voter he/she may be
required to provide proof of residence
in order to vote at future elections.
Further, if the voter does not appear or
offer to vote at any election between
the date of the notice and the second
federal general election after the
receipt of the notice, the voter’s
registration will be cancelled and the
voter will have to re-register to vote.
(Election Code Section 2224)
NEW
Am I Registered?
VOTERS CAN CHECK THEIR
VOTER REGISTRATION
STATUS ONLINE
Jim McCauley, Registrar of Voters is
pleased to announce that voters can
now go to
www.placerelections.com to see if
they are registered to vote in Placer
County.
Voters should re-register to vote
when they move within Placer
County, change names or change
political party affiliation.
Be sure to re-register if you move
because election voting materials
are not forwardable.
Voters can also register to vote
online from the Office of Elections
website mentioned above.
Voting material mailings begin 29
days before the election. To ensure
your voting materials are delivered
timely and accurately, register
early!
3 Ways To Find Your Polling Location
1.
2.
3.
Back cover of this pamphlet
Website at www.placerelections.com
Telephone at 530-886-5650
VOTERS WHO VOTE BY MAIL – Mail back your ballot early!
TOP TWO CANDIDATES OPEN PRIMARY ACT AND
VOTER-NOMINATED OFFICES
In 2010 California voters approved Proposition 14, which created the
Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act. This act created a primary in
which voters rather than parties nominate candidates to run in the
general election.
Except for the office of the U.S. President, county central committee
offices, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, offices that
used to be known as “partisan offices” (e.g., state constitutional offices,
U.S. Congress, and state legislative offices) are now known as “voternominated” offices.
In this primary system, candidates list their party preferences on the
ballot. Voters will receive a ballot with all the candidates for the voternominated races, regardless of party preference and voters can vote for
any candidate. The top two vote-getters – not the top vote-getter from
each qualified party and anyone using the independent nomination
process – will move on to the General Election.
Beginning January 1, 2001, California adopted the “modified” closed
primary system. The “modified” closed primary system permits
unaffiliated (no party preference – formerly known as “decline to state”)
voters to participate in a primary election if authorized by an individual
party’s rules and duly noticed to the Secretary of State. Political parties
have until 135 days prior to an election to notify the Secretary of State
whether they will allow voters who have declined to disclose a political
party preference to vote the ballot of that individual party. Even though
the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act has replaced this primary
system for most offices, the “modified” closed primary system is still in
effect for the Office of the President of the United States.
In Placer County, elected officials for county and judicial offices are
elected during a primary election. Because these are nonpartisan
offices, the party preference of the candidates and the voters is not
relevant to the races. All registered voters living in the district are
eligible to vote for the office. If none of the candidates receives a simple
majority, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will run
off in the general election. Similarly, state propositions and local
measures may appear on primary election ballots and all registered
voters living in the applicable district may vote in those contests
regardless of party preference.
MI.4
“TOP 2” is New for California
FAQ’s for Voters
What is a Top 2 Primary?
A Top 2 Primary lets you vote for any candidate (for most races), even if you are not registered in
the same political party. The top 2 candidates – the ones who get the most votes in the primary will be on the General Election ballot in November.
Is Top 2 different than the last primary election?
Yes. Top 2 is new. It became law in 2010 when we passed Prop 14. Before Top 2, each party could
have one candidate on the General Election ballot for all party races.
Now with Top 2, only two candidates get on the General Election ballot for most races – the ones
who got the most votes in the primary – no matter what party they are from.
What does party preference mean?
Party preference refers to the political party you or the candidate is registered with. It’s listed on the
ballot near the candidate’s name. The word “None” appears for candidates who are not registered
with a party.
Do all offices follow the Top 2 rules?
No. Top 2 applies to these voter-nominated offices: U.S. Senator; U.S. Congressperson; State
Senator, State Assembly Member and Statewide constitutional offices (such as Governor, which will
be on the 2014 ballot). The top 2 does not apply to elections for President or Central Committees.
Can the Top 2 candidates be from the same party?
Yes. The Top 2 candidates might be from the same party, different parties, or no party.
If only 1 or 2 candidates run for an office, will they still run in the primaries?
Yes.
I am registered with a political party. What ballot will I receive in June?
You will receive a ballot for your party if you are registered with one of the parties:
American Independent
Green
Peace and Freedom
Democratic
Republican
Libertarian
Your ballot will have:
 Your party’s candidates for President and Central Committee, and
 All candidates from all parties for voter-nominated and nonpartisan offices, and
 State or local measures.
Exception: The Americans Elect Party is not participating in this Primary. If you belong to the
Americans Elect Party, you will be given a no party preference ballot for this election and it will not
have candidates for President.
MI.5
“TOP 2” is New for California
FAQ’s for voters
What if I am registered with one party but I want to vote another party’s ballot?
You are not allowed to vote a different party’s ballot. If you wish to vote a party’s ballot you would
have to reregister to vote in that political party no later than May 21, 2012.
What ballot do I vote if I am not registered with any party?
If you did not select any party when you registered or if you registered Decline to State,
Independent, nonpartisan or choose a nonqualified party, you are a No Party Preference (NPP)
Voter. NPP ballots do not allow you to vote for a Presidential Nominee. However, for this primary
election the following parties are allowing NPP voters to vote their party ballots:
Democratic Party and American Independent Party.
Important! If you want to vote a ballot for one of these parties above you must ask for it.
Can I still write in a candidate on my ballot?
Yes. You can write in a candidate for voter-nominated offices at the primary election, but not for the
general election. For other contests, you are allowed to write in a candidate at both the primary and
general elections.
Can I find out what party I am registered with?
Yes. There are ways to find out which party – if any – you are registered with:
1. Look on the front cover of your Sample Ballot Pamphlet. Your party, if any is printed on the front
cover. If you did not register with a party, it says No Party Preference (NPP).
2. Call our office at 530-886-5650.
Can I change my political party?
Yes. Fill out a new voter registration card and return it at least 15 days before the election. The last
day to register to vote for the June 5, 2012 Primary Election is May 21, 2012.
Do I need to re-register again for each election?
No. Fill out a new voter registration card only if you have: moved, changed your name, or you wish
to change your political party preference.
Where can I register to vote?





Online at www.placerelections.com
Post office,
Library,
Office of Elections, or
Call our office at 530-886-5650 and a registration card can be mailed to you.
Still have more questions about the Top 2?
Call our office at 530-886-5650, or visit our website at www.placerelections.com
MI.6
PLACER COUNTY VOTER’S BILL OF RIGHTS
Your right to vote is important to us. The Placer County Office of Elections compiled this information
to explain the election process, your voting rights and some of the services we offer.
#1 - The Right to Vote
You may vote in a scheduled election if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, not currently in
prison or on parole for a felony conviction, live in Placer County, and provide us with a completed voter registration card
at least 15 days before the scheduled election. If you go to the polls and you are not listed on our registration rolls, you
have the right to cast a provisional ballot. You also have the right to vote as long as you are in line at your polling place
before the polls close at 8:00 PM. There are a few exceptions to these rules, so contact the Office of Elections with any
questions.
#2 - The Right Not to Vote
State law no longer requires you to vote in every election to stay registered. If none of the candidates or issues interest
you by Election Day, you can skip the election and your registration will not be deleted. In addition, if your ballot has
multiple issues, you are not required to vote on all of them. Blank sections on your ballot will not affect any of your other
votes.
#3 - The Right to Vote by Vote by Mail Ballot or Permanent Vote-by-Mail Ballot
Whether you are sick, out of town or just like the convenience of voting from home, all California voters have the option of
voting by a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Your written request for a Vote-by-Mail ballot must be received at least one week before
the election to allow us enough time to process and mail your ballot. For best results, use the form on the back of this
sample ballot pamphlet. You may also become a Permanent Vote-by-Mail voter (meaning your ballot will always be
mailed to you without your having to complete an application each election). You may return your completed Vote-by-Mail
ballot by mail or to any poll location in the county on Election Day or drop it at our office, but we must receive it no later
than 8:00 PM Election Day.
#4 - The Right to Request Another Ballot
If you make a mistake when voting your official ballot, you may return your spoiled ballot and receive a new one at the
polls (or from the Office of Elections if voting by a Vote-by-Mail ballot). However, state law allows us to issue no more
than two replacement ballots per voter.
#5 - The Right to Assistance and to Ask Questions
Important information is contained in your sample ballot pamphlet, at the polls, and on our website at
www.placerelections.com. You can also take your sample ballot pamphlet or other voting guides with you into the polls.
If you are physically unable to vote without assistance, we have devices to help you in casting your vote or an elections
official or other person of your choice can assist you. Your election officials are also available to answer any questions
about election procedures.
#6 - The Right to Unbiased Political Information
Many people are frustrated by negative political campaigning that they have decided to stop voting. While we cannot stop
negative campaigning completely, we will enforce our “No Negative Attacks” policy for Candidate Statements printed in
this sample ballot pamphlet to the best of our ability.
#7 - The Right to Contact the Candidates
Can’t find out how a candidate stands on an issue? The Office of Elections requires each local candidate to provide at
least one public telephone number so you can have your questions answered.
#8 - The Right to Watch Ballots Being Counted and Observe the Canvass
Counting ballots is a public process. Eleven days before Election Day, the Office of Elections begins opening and
preparing the Vote-by-Mail ballots to be included in Election Night totals. Voters may observe this process, and for years
we have invited the public to come and observe Election Night activities. Voters are also allowed to watch what goes on
at the polling places Election Day. For rules on how to be an Election Night or polling place observer, please contact the
Office of Elections. After Election Day, the election canvass begins. This is an internal audit required by state law to
ensure the accuracy of election results. California election law allows 28 days to conduct the official canvass. During the
canvass, Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots not counted on Election Night are checked for eligibility, write-in votes are
tallied, the number of ballots cast is balanced against the number of ballots issued, and a hand count of 1% of all ballots
cast in each race is performed to verify the machine count. All aspects of the canvass are open to public inspection.
#9 - The Right to Hold Office and to Make a Difference
At each November election, Placer County has over 200 local offices up for election. Someone has to fill these offices –
why not you? If you are registered to vote and live in a district or city going to election, you are most likely eligible. We
conduct candidate workshops roughly six months before every major election, which will walk you through the candidate
filing process (watch your local newspaper or call us for dates and times).
#10 - The Right to a Fair Election
You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to our office or to the Secretary of State’s Office. If you
believe you have been denied any of your rights, or if you are aware of any election fraud or misconduct, please call us at
530-886-5650 or toll-free in California 1-800-824-8683, or you may use the Secretary of State’s confidential, toll-free
VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE at 1-800-345-8683.
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An Important Message from Jim McCauley, Placer County Registrar of Voters:
VOTERS…Help us save your precious tax dollars and GO GREEN!
Opt-Out of receiving your Sample Ballot Pamphlet by mail for the next election in
November 2012!
The Placer County Registrar of Voters is excited to announce that voters now have the
option of accessing their Sample Ballot Pamphlet prior to each election via our Website:
www.placerelections.com. Once you are signed up for this program, each election we’ll
send you an e-mail with a link to your Sample Ballot Pamphlet – you’ll be able to access it instantly!
For the first time, beginning January 1, 2011, California law provides you, a registered voter, with
the choice of how you want to access your Sample Ballot Pamphlet information – online or via mail.
Choosing the online option will reduce County costs and save needed tax dollars. More good reasons to GO
GREEN………It’s convenient, as you can access your pamphlet anytime from anywhere. It’s paperless which
is good for the planet, and it’s your choice as a voter - if you find that you would rather have a paper copy of
the Sample Ballot Pamphlet, you can. Just let us know.
If you would like to access your Sample Ballot Pamphlet online, simply fill out the form below and return it to
the Placer County Office of Elections, or go to our website www.placerelections.com and complete the form
online. If you wish to continue receiving your Sample Ballot Pamphlet by mail, then do nothing and you will
continue to receive your pamphlet by mail.
Your Sample Ballot Pamphlet will be available on our website approximately 30 days before each election. If
you have additional questions regarding this program, please contact our office at 530-886-5650 or toll free in
California at 1-800-824-8683.
CUT HERE  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sample Ballot Pamphlet Opt-Out/Opt-In Program
If you are submitting your request less than 65 days prior to a scheduled election it will not take effect until the following scheduled election.
Complete the information below, remove and return the form to the Office of Elections.
Choose One

I no longer want to receive my Sample Ballot Pamphlet by mail. I’ll receive my pamphlet
electronically via my e-mail address.

I previously opted out of receiving my Sample Ballot Pamphlet by mail, but would like to start
receiving it again.
Name (Please Print)
Last Name
First Name
Middle Name
Residential Address
Street
City
State
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Mailing Address (if different than above)
Email Address
Phone Number
Signature
X
MAIL REQUEST TO: Placer County Office of Elections, PO Box 7043, Auburn CA 95604-7043
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