Ballots for the upcoming presidential election were mailed out on Monday. Voters who haven’t received their ballots by next Wednesday, Oct. 16, are encouraged to contact the registrar of voters at 707-234-6819. Additionally, voters may pick up a ballot at the county clerk's office located in the general administration building in Ukiah. Sample ballots, mailed by an outside vendor, should be arriving soon. If they do not arrive by the end of the week, voters should also reach out to the county registrar.
In related news, the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory effective through Friday, Oct. 11, due to prescribed burns at Shamrock Ranch and Jackson Demonstration Forest. The burns are expected to impact Laytonville, Covelo, and Willits, causing haze and smoke levels that could reach “unhealthy” levels for sensitive groups.
The Mendocino County Air Quality Management District also informed the Board of Supervisors that it may need to increase fees to address budget shortfalls. Efraim Lopez, the deputy air pollution control officer, emphasized that the district does not receive county tax dollars. Supervisor Ted Williams suggested issuing blanket burn permits to reduce bureaucratic costs and encourage responsible fuel reduction, though no action was taken on his proposal.
Separately, Supervisor Dan Gjerde requested additional documentation before approving a measure to allow the Mendocino County Tourism Commission to raise taxes within a proposed new business improvement district. The board voted to delay the decision until further evidence of city council support is provided.
