Voting resources

Voting is an important way to make sure we ALL have say on what goes on in OUR communities.

But you can’t vote if you’re not registered.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER?

• US Born Or Naturalized Citizen
• Resident of California
• At Least 16 Years of Age (pre-registration)

If all three conditions apply to you, then you are eligible to register as a California voter.

Note: You can pre-register as a 16 and 17 year old, which means on your 18th birthday, the Registrar will automatically register you to vote and send you notification in the mail. You don’t need to take time filling out another form unless you change your name, address and/or want to change your political party.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

You can Register to Vote online here. If you’re unsure if you’re registered or registered at the right address you can check your status here. 

Prefer snail mail? Requesting a paper registration form is fast and easy. To request a paper voter registration application, call (800) 345-VOTE (8683)

Plan early! The deadline to register for the November 3rd Election is October 19th.  

MISSED THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?It’s best to register before the October 19 deadline. If you miss that deadline you can still do the Same-Day Voter Registration process and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. For more information on voter registration and voting locations, contact your local county elections official.

VOTE BY MAIL

If you’ve already registered to vote, you can submit your ballot by mail. That’s right. You can vote without leaving your home. Due to COVID-19 all active voters will receive a ballot in the mail starting the week of October 5th. 

• Fill it out completely 
• Try to send it back ASAP. It’s free too – no postage is required! 
• You can drop it in your mailbox, in a designated ballot drop off box, or at your polling location or vote center. 
• KEY: Ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd! As long as it’s postmarked by Election Day, ballots can still be counted up to 17 days after election day.

EARLY VOTING

In California, registered voters in select counties can vote early, in person 10 days before the election. Due to COVID-19 some counties are allowing up to four days of early voting. Click here to find out if your county has early voting or call the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

MAKE A VOTE PLAN

Research shows people who make a plan to vote are way more likely to actually vote. Do these things to help you flex your electoral muscle on November 3rd:

1. Check Your Status
   Make sure you’re registered to vote. You can check your voting status here.
2. Choose A Time
   Polls in California open at 7AM and close at 8PM. Pick a specific time to vote. After school @ 4:30? Before work at 5:30? Companies are legally obligated to give you time to vote if you give prior notice. Calendar it to give yourself a reminder. They will have physical distancing in place to ensure everyone who wants to vote in-person can do so safely. 
3. Know Where You’re Going
   Locate your polling place or better yet know where you can vote early. If you’re unsure about your polling location, click here to learn where to go on Election Day.
4. Show Up
   Show up to your polling place, give your first and last name and prepare to cast your ballot. Don’t forget your mask!

Voter Registration Deadline

Online voter registrations must be submitted by October 19, 2020.

• Paper registration forms must be submitted and postmarked by October 19th. It’s best to submit months ahead of the October 19th deadline to make sure it’s received in time.

Vote By Mail Deadline

• Once you’ve received and completed your ballot, it must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by your COUNTY elections office no later than November 17.

Additional Voting Links

• Know Your Voting Rights
• Voter Identification