With every registered voter in California receiving a ballot in the mail – a fact that has already landed Governor Gavin Newsom in court – it’s entirely likely that legal challenges will be a factor in next week’s general election.

And San Joaquin County is going to be ready in the event that happens.

In order to be able to respond to legal issues if they were to arise the San Joaquin County Superior Court plans to open on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. and have legal staff in place to respond if necessary.

While the move is a customary one – in 2016 the court did the same thing so that campaigns, candidates, and voters seeking legal recourse had an avenue on the night of the election – it may be even more important during an unprecedent election that is occurring in the middle of a pandemic and will feature less in-person voting than was seen four years ago.

San Joaquin County currently has 34 voter service centers – also known as polling places – that will be located throughout the county and staffed on election day.

Manteca will have four sites operational on Nov. 3 – the Manteca Transit Center, Walter Woodward Elementary School, Neil Hafley Elementary School, and Stella Brockman Elementary School – while Lathrop residents will be able to visit Lathrop High School and Ripon residents will be able to visit Ripon High School.

Those wishing to vote in person or to obtain a replacement mail ballot are encouraged to visit the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voter’s website in advance to download the vote-by-mail replacement form that will need to be turned in at one of the voter service centers – locations that will replace traditional neighborhood or area poll locations because of the pandemic.

While the San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton will remain open on Nov. 3 during normal business hours, only election-related business will be processed during the extended hours from 5 to 10 p.m. Those needing to file election day legal challenges can send a tax to 209.992.5419, and to reach the court during extended hours of operation candidates or residents can call 209.992.5352.

For additional information about voter service centers or to download the vote-by-mail replacement form visit the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voter’s website at www.sjgov.org/department/rov/ or call 209.468.8683.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.