Two Ballots for One Election? Inside the Brewing Legal Mess in Newport Beach

Take a look at key findings about Two Ballots for One Election? Inside the Brewing Legal Mess in Newport Beach.

Q1: Why did I receive two different ballots in Newport Beach?

A1: You received two separate envelopes because the Newport Beach City Council and the Orange County Registrar of Voters failed to consolidate local charter amendments onto the general county ballot before legal printing deadlines. One ballot covers federal, state, and county races; the other covers only Newport Beach municipal measures.

Q2: Do I need to fill out and return both envelopes?

A2: Yes. If you wish to vote on city charter amendments as well as federal, state, and legislative candidates, you must complete both ballots, sign both outer declaration envelopes, and return them according to their respective instructions.

Q3: Can I drop both ballots into the same official drop box?

A3: While county officials have stated that workers will forward misdirected municipal ballots to the City Clerk, election monitors strongly advise using designated drop locations and checking the return address on each envelope to ensure your vote is received before the deadline.

Q4: Could the results of the municipal charter vote be thrown out?

A4: Yes. An election integrity lawsuit challenging the city's adherence to the California election code remains an active risk. If a judge finds the separate mailing violated state consolidation rules, the municipal results could be delayed, overturned, or scheduled for a revote.