Sounds to me its one of those ballots that they can throw out and not put in the final count.

Dirty trick - perhaps?

in terms of what is up for a vote because it is just the one issue in this special election, but the actual ballots are not the same between counties. Just as yours says Solano County on it mine says something different, and they might not even use the same optical machines/ballots in various counties, I really don't know.

The envelope I got had an instruction sheet (which included an "I voted" sticker peel-off), a sample ballot, an official ballot, an info guide, and the return envelope.

Off the top of my head, I do not recall if the sample ballot (which I do recall said SAMPLE BALLOT SAMPLE BALLOT down the sides) also said official ballot on the top, or not, as part of its mimicry. And it has long since gone in the recycling so I cannot check.

But it sounds like you didn't get a real ballot. That is fucked up.

on actual ballot. Sample ballot is opportunity for both sides to present their arguments for how you should vote. At end of argument you’ll see who wrote it and what that person’s organization is, if any. I usually research that person’s organization & can better determine how I should vote.

questions and an envelope to send it back. Mark it, sign it and send it back.

https://www.kcra.com/article/ballots-mailed-confusion-san-joaquin-county-voters/37377842#

Seems strange to me! Mine in Alameda County is just the official ballot.

and they admitted it was a BIG mistake, BUT the 'Sample Ballot' WILL be counted. The signature on the return envelope is good enough for them to validate the ballot.