Election 2024: Here’s how to register to vote in California

Happy National Voter Registration Day, Californians! Tuesday marks the designated day Americans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the voting process as the upcoming presidential election nears.

Whether you are unsure if you are registered to vote or want to be aware of key deadlines, here’s what you need to know.

How do I register to vote in California?

Residents can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov. The website is for California residents who want to vote ahead of the upcoming election and those aged 16 to 17 who want to pre-register before their 18 ^th birthday.

Residents should have their California driver’s license or ID card and Social Security card nearby during registration. For those who don’t have a state-issued license or ID, additional steps will be taken to complete your registration.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 21. California does allow same-day voter registration. More information about that can be found here.

To register to vote in California, a person must be:

• A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
• 18 years old or older on Election Day
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court

How can I check if I am registered to vote?

If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. The website will ask for personal information to see if you are registered to vote, where you registered, your party preference, the status of your vote-by-mail or provisional ballot and more.

How can I request a mail-in ballot ahead of Election Day?

All registered voters in the state will receive a vote-by-mail ballot ahead of Election Day. If you choose to vote by mail, the ballot must be postmarked on or before Nov. 5. You can drop off a vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place in California or at the office of your county election official before polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

A list of polling places with the state can be found here.

Residents can also visit WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to be notified when their ballot was mailed, received, and counted.

When does early voting start in California?

Early voting sites will open on Oct. 7. To find an early voting location near you, visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov or contact your county elections office.

Important election dates and deadlines for California voters

• Secretary of State will mail the Voter Information Guide: Sept. 26 – Oct. 15
• County elections officials shall begin mailing each registered voter a vote‐by‐mail ballot no later than this date: Oct. 7
• Early voting sites open: Oct. 7
• Ballot drop-off locations will open: on Oct. 21
• Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the state: Nov. 5
• Vote‐By‐Mail Ballots returned by mail, in order to be counted, must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office: Nov. 12
• Last day for county elections officials to certify election results: Dec. 5
  

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