Editorial: Return those ballots

Next Tuesday’s early California primary election puts voters in a position to have an unprecedented impact on the Democratic presidential race. More than a third of the total pledged convention delegates will be selected next week in 15 states and territories.

In the presidential race, voters may only choose from their own party’s candidates. Voters registered as No Party Preference (previously called Decline to State) may go to any vote center in the county (see below) through Super Tuesday and request a presidential ballot for either the Democratic, Libertarian or American Independent parties. (Only registered Republican, Peace and Freedom and Green party members may vote in their respective presidential primary.)

In state legislative races, however, California’s open primary system means that all voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to choose from the entire field of candidates, with the top two finishers running off in the November general election, even if they are from the same party and even if one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

If you are qualified to vote (you are 18, a U.S. citizen, live in California and are not in prison or on parole from a felony ) but have not yet registered, you can register up until the polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at any vote center and cast a ballot.

Voters who received ballots in the mail can return their ballots by mail (postmarked no later than primary election day) or drop them off at official ballot drop boxes or any vote center. The following Palo Alto vote centers are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Super Tuesday:

• Rinconada Library.

• Cubberley Community Center Gym.

• Mitchell Park Community Center.

• Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium.

• Ventura Community Center.

The Palo Alto Weekly recommends the following candidates and ballot measure positions.

Please vote!

House of Representatives

Anna Eshoo (D) (Incumbent)

State Senate

Mike Brownrigg (D)

(See editorial published on Feb. 14 here)

State Assembly

Marc Berman (D) (Incumbent)

Santa Clara County Supervisor

Joe Simitian (Incumbent)

Measure G (Foothill-De Anza College District)

$898 million bond measure

YES

(See editorial published on Feb. 21 here)

Measure H (Foothill-De Anza College District)

$48 per year parcel tax measure

YES

State Proposition 13

School Facility Bonds

YES

Related content:

• Election Central: Watch video interviews and a debate of the state Senate candidates and read in-depth profiles and a chart comparing their views on top issues at multimedia.paloaltoonline.com.