California

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ABOUT THIS STATE

California! Back in the day, people searched your state for gold. Now, they search for a place with oat milk (which is just as expensive.) But California has a lot going for it. So all you shiny, happy people running on beaches better be exercising YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE as well. Here’s everything you need to know in the Golden State.

Be a Voter

Do I Have An Election This Year?

You may have heard about this "recall election." You may be wondering what the deal with that is. Due to some wacky laws, a small minority of California voters was able to force a recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom. That election is happening on September 14, but ballots will be mailed out to voters by Aug. 16. That ballot will have just two questions: 1. Should Gov. Newsom be recalled? 2. Which candidate should replace him? If a majority of voters decide to recall Newsom, his replacement will be whichever candidate receives a simple plurality of votes on Question 2. The Newsom camp is telling voters that voting NO on Question 1 is the only way to block a Republican takeover of California.

Learn more

Key Dates

Aug 30

Voter Registration Deadline

Sep 4

In-Person Voting and Drop-Off Begins (in some locations)

Sep 11

In-Person Voting and Drop-Off (available in all counties)

Sep 14

Recall Election Day (ballots postmarked or dropped by 8 pm)

MAKE A PLAN

Check your registration, make a plan to vote, and see what's on your ballot.

Get Ready to Vote

BE A VOTER

  • How do I make sure I’m registered?

    You can verify your registration status right here!

    Check here

  • Can I register the same day I want to vote?

    You can! Same day voter registration is a safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process to register and vote at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Your ballot will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.

    Use the website below for a list of early voting locations where you can complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process:

    Go here

  • Can I vote by mail?

    All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the September 14, 2021 recall election. Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by August 16, 2021. You can track your ballot status below.

    Track your ballot

  • Can I track my ballot?

    Yes! You can track your ballot - when it is mailed, received, and counted - right here.

    Track your ballot

  • Can I vote early in person?

    Any registered voter can go to a county elections office in person to request and receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Starting September 4 in some locations and by September 11 in all counties, you can also find in-person voting locations that will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance to those who need it. Check the link below to find your early voting or ballot drop-off location.

    Find your location

  • What's on my ballot?

    That ballot will have just two questions: 1. Should Gov. Newsom be recalled? 2. Which candidate should replace him?

  • Do I have to vote on both parts of the recall ballot?

    No. Voters can vote on either one or both parts of the recall ballot. The Newsom camp is telling voters that voting NO on Question 1 (and leaving Question 2 blank) is the only way to block a Republican takeover of California, but you can vote on Question 2 even if you vote No on Question 1 and your ballot will still count.

Resources

  • If you run into any issues while voting, call 1-833-DEM-VOTE (1-833-336-8683), a voter hotline is monitored 24/7/365 with voting experts who are ready to field questions pertaining to felon disenfranchisement, voter purging, poll worker misconduct, voter machines, accessibility, and more.

    Learn More

  • Need to show Voter ID? Not sure what kind? Get the specifics in your state here.

    Learn More

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