In 2016 the Board adopted Supervisor Simitian’s proposal to make vote-by-mail ballots postage-paid, eliminating another barrier to voter participation and the timely return of mail-in ballots. As a result, voter participation increased. Voters were spared the time, trouble and aggravation associated with calculating the cost of a mailing and finding the necessary postage (not to mention the expense!). In addition, the number of vote-by-mail ballots turned in at polling places on election day dropped, aiding timely reporting.