Registering to vote in California is crucial to participate in elections and make your voice heard. The deadline to register is 15 days before Election Day. Register early to avoid missing out!
Voter Registration Deadlines for Upcoming Elections:
| Election Date | Registration Deadline (Postmarked or Submitted Online) |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | October 21, 2024 |
You can register to vote now by completing the online application. The application is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
If you have any questions, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or via email.
Eligibility Requirements to Register to Vote in California:
You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of California, at least 18 years old on Election Day, not disqualified from voting by a felony conviction, and not currently on parole or in prison for a felony conviction.
Pre-Registration to Vote:
You can pre-register to vote in California if you are 16 or 17 years old and meet all other eligibility requirements to vote. You will be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday.
Obtaining a Paper Voter Registration Application:
You can obtain a paper voter registration application at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles office, or U.S. Post Office. Your voter registration application must be completed and postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.
To request that a paper voter registration application be mailed to you, please call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or email Elections Division staff.
Same Day Voter Registration (Conditional Voter Registration):
In elections conducted by your county elections official, you can conditionally register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day voter registration deadline.
Safe at Home Program:
Participants in the Safe at Home program can register as confidential voters and keep their voting information private. If you fear for your safety and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the Safe at Home program and register as a confidential voter.
College Students and Overseas Voters:
If you are a Californian living away from home while attending a college, trade school, or technical school, or are a voter residing temporarily outside the U.S.
Are You Registered to Vote?
To find out if you are currently registered to vote, visit the voter registration status check website.
When to Re-register to Vote:
You need to re-register to vote when you change your residence or mailing address, change your name, or change your political party preference.
California Motor Voter Program:
The California Motor Voter program makes it more convenient to register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Eligible applicants completing driver license, identification (ID) card, or change of address transactions online, by mail, or in person at the DMV will be automatically registered to vote by the California Secretary of State unless they opt out of automatic voter registration.
How to Cancel My Registration:
If you are currently registered to vote in California and wish to cancel your voter registration, you can complete the California Voter Registration Cancellation Request Form (PDF) and submit it to your county elections office.
Voter Registration Drives:
Anyone circulating voter registration cards in California should be familiar with the rules and regulations for conducting voter registration drives.
Voter Registration Statistics:
The Secretary of State is responsible for compiling detailed statistical reports on the number of registered voters in California.
Voter Registration File Information Requests:
Qualified individuals or groups of individuals can register to access voter registration information.
Voter Bill of Rights:
The law prohibits the use of your voter registration information for commercial purposes. Report any violations to the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
