Voting in California has never been easier. However, it’s important to know about important deadlines such as registration, early voting, voting, and certification of election results. Voters can also track their ballots to ensure their votes are counted. Here’s what you need to know:
How can I find out if I’m registered to vote?
Californians can check their status online using the last four digits of their California driver’s license, ID number, or Social Security number. here.
Can I still register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote is October 21st. You can register online. here.
Paper applications are also available at county election offices, libraries, DMV offices, and post offices. You can also call or email (800) 345-VOTE(8683). Election Division staff. Paper applications must be postmarked or submitted to the county elections office at least 15 days before the election (October 21st).
Those who fail to meet the deadline can register as conditional voters. Click here to learn how to register here.
Where can I find the Voter Guide?
The state and county will mail the guide to all registered voters. State-issued guides can be viewed online here. Click here for a guide from a Times reporter.
What if I need guidance or voting instructions in another language?
Voting information must be available in other languages here.
Can I vote even if I don’t have a permanent address?
Unhoused persons, persons living off-grid, and persons without a permanent address are U.S. citizens and California residents who are 18 years of age or older, have not served time for a felony, and are incompetent. As long as they are considered free from the condition, they are eligible to vote. be judged incompetent by the court.
People without a permanent address can pick up a ballot at a shelter, post office box, or business, but cannot register to vote at a post office box or business address.
Voters displaced by wildfires You can have your mail-in ballot sent to an alternate address by calling or visiting your county elections office Registration tovote.ca.gov. Even if you set up mail forwarding with the Postal Service, your mail-in ballot will not be forwarded unless you change your address with your election official.
All voters have the right to vote in person on Election Day.
What happens if I don’t receive or lose my ballot?
If you did not receive your mail-in ballot, or if it was lost or destroyed, you can contact your county election office to have a second ballot sent to you. You can also go to your local polling place and vote using a provisional ballot.
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How do I return my mail-in ballot?
You can drop off your ballot in a drop box or drop it off in person at a voting center. Enter your city and postal code to find your nearest dropbox or center here. Ballots can also be mailed to county election officials as long as they are postmarked by Nov. 5. All mail-in ballots in California come with a prepaid postal return envelope, so no stamps are required. Don’t forget to sign the return envelope. Ballots must be received by November 12th to be counted.
I would like to vote personally. How can I find my destination?
The address of your polling place is printed on the sample ballot mailed to voters, but you can also find your location. here.
What if I want to vote early?
Early voting begins Oct. 7 at county election offices. Many counties will open additional early voting locations before Election Day. Secure ballot return locations must be open no later than October 8th. Details on early voting and return locations will be posted at: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/.
How can I ensure my vote is counted?
You can check it after you submit your ballot here Track online. You can see when it was received and when it was counted.
What happens after Election Day?
County election officials will count the ballots and certify the results. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day arrive by Nov. 12, meaning the results of many elections may not be known for days. County election officials must finalize the election tally to the Secretary of State by 30 days after the election, and the Secretary of State must certify the election results within 38 days after the election.
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