Registering to vote in California is a right and responsibility. The deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Register early to ensure your vote counts!
California voter registration deadlines are clearly defined. For example, to vote in the November 5, 2024, election, you must register by October 21, 2024.
Register online now by completing the online application. The application is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
For questions, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or via email.
To be eligible to register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a California resident, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and not disqualified due to a felony conviction.
You can pre-register to vote at 16 or 17. You’ll be automatically registered on your 18th birthday.
Paper registration applications are available at your county elections office, libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. Post Offices. Your completed application must be postmarked or delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.
Same-Day Voter Registration (Conditional Voter Registration) allows you to register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day deadline.
College students and overseas voters can still register. If you’re a Californian living away from home while attending college, trade, or technical school, or a voter temporarily residing outside the U.S., please see information for College Students and Overseas Voters.
Check your voter registration status online. You need to re-register if you change your residence or mailing address, name, or political party preference.
The California Motor Voter program makes registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) convenient. Eligible applicants completing driver’s 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.
To cancel your voter registration in California, complete the California Voter Cancellation Request Form and submit it to your county elections office.
