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San Mateo County launched a ballot-tracking tool Friday for residents who vote by mail and want to ensure their ballot is safely delivered.

The tracking system, which voters can access at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov, will send automated tracking updates via email, text messaging or voice call. Voters will receive updates when their county elections office has mailed, received and counted the voter's ballot.

The tracking system will also send voters information about election deadlines, polling place changes as well as if there are any issues with a voter's ballot.

"Signing-up takes just a couple of minutes, and voters will enjoy automatic updates on the delivery status of their vote-by-mail ballot for each and every election," Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. "As more voters look to cast their ballots by mail during this health pandemic, this tool will provide peace of mind that voting by mail is safe and secure."

San Mateo County is the state's 26th county to offer a mail ballot tracking system since the passage of legislation in 2018 requiring the California Secretary of State's office to provide ballot tracking information for counties that request it.

Marin, Monterey and Santa Clara counties are the other jurisdictions in the greater Bay Area region that have similar ballot tracking tools.