Happy National Voter Registration Day, Californians. Since 2012, this day has encouraged Americans to get comfortable exercising their civic duty. Read on to learn how to register to vote, how to check if you think you’re already registered to vote, important deadlines, and more.
When are the 2024 general elections?
The general elections are on Tuesday, November 5.
California Election Dates and Deadlines
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October 7: Deadline to mail ballots to every registered voter
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Oct 7: Early polling stations open
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Oct 21: Deadline to register to vote (online or by mail)
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Oct 22: Same day registration begins
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November 5: Polling stations open from 7am to 8pm
How do I register to vote in California?
People can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov. This is for California residents who want to vote and for California residents ages 16 and 17 who want to vote in the future.
Have your California driver’s license or California identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth handy. If you do not have a California driver’s license or California identification card, be prepared to take a few extra steps to complete your registration.
What is the deadline to register to vote in California for the general election?
The deadline to register to vote is October 21, 15 days before Election Day. If you miss the deadline, you can still vote in California, but you must complete the same-day voter registration process and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling place. For more information about registering to vote within 14 days of Election Day, visit sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg.
Am I registered to vote?
People who think they are already registered to vote but aren’t sure can visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov . The site lets you enter personal information to see if you are registered to vote, where you are registered to vote, check the status of your mail-in ballot or provisional ballot, find your polling place, and more.
More: California Voter’s Guide: Senate, House, Assembly Elections, Props
Requirements for Registering to Vote in California
There are several criteria a person must meet to register to vote in California. In order to vote, you must:
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A United States citizen and a resident of California
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18 years or older on election day
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Not currently serving a state or federal prison sentence for a felony conviction
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Not currently considered mentally incompetent to vote by a court
When does early voting start in California?
Visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov or contact your county election office to find an early voting location near you. Early voting locations open Oct. 7.
How to Request a Mail-In Ballot
All registered voters in California will receive a ballot in the mail before Election Day.
If you vote by mail, make sure your ballots are postmarked on or before Election Day. These ballots must be received by November 12. You can also drop off your mail-in ballot at any California polling place or your county election official’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Log in to WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to stay up to date on the status of your ballot, from the time you receive it until the county receives your completed ballot.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to register to vote in California, important Election Day deadlines
