Occupy Monterey Peninsula is back with a bang on 4th of July.   Organizers said they will be displaying artistic tombstones at Colton Hall lawn in protest of what they say are "threats to our civil liberties and economic security" on the 4th of July.   Following the Monterey community's 4th of July parade, the Occupy Movement will hold speeches. Organizers said they'll celebrate the sacrifices of the troops, but say "the influence of big money on our political system is corroding that ideal" on this Independence Day,    

The state's budget problems have reached your mailbox and it could hamper your right to vote by mail in years to come.

Central Coast counties are making sure you still get your ballot, but it will cost you.

"It's very frustrating because voters are caught up in the budget process," said Monterey County head of elections Linda Tulet.  She said that's because this past June the state eliminated the funding counties receive for the permanent vote by mail option.

To understand why you should care, I need to take you back several years.   State law used to allow only certain people to permanently vote by mail.  For example: people with a disability or active military.

But in 2002, California changed the law to allow anyone to sign-up for a permanent vote by mail ballot and the state footed the bill for the cost to vote by mail.

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