If you are a citizen of the United States, a resident of California, and at least 18 years old, you can register to vote in California today. You can do it online, by mail, or in person. In this article, we will explain how to register to vote in California, what you need to know, and where to find more information.
Online Voter Registration in California
The easiest way to register to vote in California is online. You can use the California Online Voter Registration website to fill out an application and submit it electronically. You can also use this website to update your registration information, such as your name, address, or political party.
- Language preference: You can choose to complete the online application in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese.
- Safe at Home participants: If you are enrolled in California’s Safe at Home program, which provides confidential addresses for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, you can still register to vote online. You will need to enter your Safe at Home identification number instead of your address.
- Registration deadline: You must register to vote at least 15 days before the election you want to vote in. For the 2024 presidential primary election, the deadline is February 18, 2024. For the 2024 general election, the deadline is October 21, 2024.
- What you will need: To register to vote online, you will need a California driver’s license or identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. If you do not have a California driver’s license or identification card, you can still register to vote online, but you will need to print, sign, and mail your application to your county elections office.
- Additional information: The online voter registration website will also ask you for your email address, phone number, political party preference, and whether you want to receive your ballot by mail. You can also choose to become a permanent vote-by-mail voter, which means you will always receive your ballot by mail for every election. You can also opt out of receiving a paper voter information guide and access it online instead.
Same Day Voter Registration and Conditional Voter Registration
If you miss the online voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote on the same day. This is called Same Day Voter Registration or Conditional Voter Registration. You can do this at your county elections office, a vote center, or a polling place. You will need to fill out a voter registration form and a provisional ballot envelope. Your ballot will be counted after your registration is verified.
- Safe at Home Program: If you are a Safe at Home participant, you can also register and vote on the same day. You will need to show your Safe at Home identification card or a letter from the Safe at Home program to the election official. You will also need to fill out a special provisional ballot envelope that does not show your address.
- College students and voters living abroad: If you are a college student or a voter living abroad, you can also register and vote on the same day. You will need to show proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, a bank statement, or a student identification card. You will also need to fill out a special provisional ballot envelope that indicates your residence and mailing address.
- How to check your voter registration: You can check your voter registration status online at the My Voter Status website. You can also call the Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
- Other ways to register to vote: You can also register to vote by mail or in person. You can download and print a voter registration form from the Secretary of State’s website, or request one by calling the Voter Hotline. You can also get a voter registration form at your county elections office, a public library, a post office, or a Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will need to mail or deliver your completed form to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.
How to Cancel or Update Your Voter Registration
If you move, change your name, or want to change your political party, you will need to update your voter registration. You can do this online, by mail, or in person, using the same methods as described above. If you want to cancel your voter registration, you will need to fill out and sign a Cancellation of Voter Registration form and mail or deliver it to your county elections office.
- Voter registration drives: You may encounter voter registration drives in your community, where volunteers or organizations offer to help you register to vote. You have the right to register to vote directly with your county elections office or the Secretary of State, without going through a third party. If you choose to register through a voter registration drive, make sure you fill out and sign the form yourself, and ask for a receipt or a copy of your form. You can also check your voter registration status online or by phone to make sure your information is correct and complete.
- Voter registration statistics: You can find out how many people are registered to vote in California, by county, by political party, and by age group, at the Voter Registration Statistics page of the Secretary of State’s website. You can also see the historical trends of voter registration and turnout in California since 1910.
- Voter Bill of Rights: You have the right to vote in California if you are a registered voter and meet the eligibility requirements. You also have the right to vote without discrimination, intimidation, or harassment, and to receive assistance or accommodations if you have a disability, language barrier, or other special need. You can read the full Voter Bill of Rights on the Secretary of State’s website, or request a copy from your county elections office or the Voter Hotline.
Contact Information and Resources
If you have any questions or problems regarding voter registration or voting in California, you can contact the following agencies or organizations for help:
- California Department of State: The Secretary of State is the chief elections officer of California, and oversees the administration of elections and voter registration. You can visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information, or call the Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
- LWV of California: The League of Women Voters of California is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, and works to increase understanding of public policy issues. You can visit the LWV of California’s website for more information, or call (916) 442-7215.
- Election day problems: If you encounter any problems or irregularities on election day, such as long lines, broken machines, missing ballots, or voter intimidation, you can report them to the Secretary of State’s office, your county elections office, or the Election Protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE (687-8683).
- Donate: If you want to support the work of the Secretary of State or the LWV of California, you can make a donation online or by mail. You can also volunteer your time and skills to help with voter education, outreach, or advocacy.
- Election information and deadlines: You can find out more about the upcoming elections in California, such as the candidates, the measures, the polling places, the vote-by-mail process, and the results, at the California Voter Guide website. You can also sign up for Voter Alerts to receive email or text messages about important election dates and deadlines.
Conclusion
Registering to vote in California is easy and convenient. You can do it online, by mail, or in person, and you can also register and vote on the same day. You have the right to vote in California if you are a registered voter and meet the eligibility requirements. You also have the right to access information and resources to help you make informed choices and exercise your voice. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of your state and your country. Don’t miss this opportunity to register to vote in California today.
