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 in stock (which is just as expensive!) California has a lot going for it. All you shiny happy people running on beaches better be exercising YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE this year. Here’s everything you need to know to be a voter in the Golden State.

Be A Voter

Key Dates

Oct 24

Registration Deadline (online and by mail)

Oct 10 – Nov 7

Early Vote-By-Mail Period (voting period to return vote-by-mail ballot).

Nov 8

Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Deadline

Nov 8

Late, In Person Voter Registration (referred to as conditional voter registration)

Nov 8

Election Day

California Voter Guide

  • How do I make sure I'm registered to vote?

    Go to votesaveamerica.com/be-a-voter to check your registration or get registered. We're working with BallotReady to make this as easy as possible for you, so don't fuck it up.

    Register Here

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

    California has Conditional Voter Registration after the regular voter registration deadline (October 24th), which is a safety net if you miss the deadline. If you wait until after that to register or update your registration, you'll have to complete the process by visiting a county elections office or vote center within 14 days after the election. So why wait? Do it now. Do it do it do it dooo itdoitdoitdoit: votesaveamerica.com/be-a-voter

    Register Now

  • Can I vote by mail?

    Yes! As long as you're registered, your ballot will be mailed to you. Then, you can fill it out and make sure it's postmarked on or before November 8th. This is called an absentee ballot.

  • Can I vote early?

    Yes! The early voting period is October 10th-November 7th. You can find the early voting/ballot drop-off locations here.

    Find Out More

  • Do I need an ID?

    Ok, so if you completed your registration in the past and have voted before, you're all set. If you're a first-time voter or want to finish your registration on Election Day, you will need to bring a photo ID or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. Get all the details from VoteRiders.

    Get the Details

  • How do I cast my ballot?

    If you are votingby mail, you can return your ballot by mail or in-person. For in-person voting, polling places will be open from 7am to 8pm, and you can find the polling place closest to you here.

    Find Your Polling Place

SINCE YOU LAST VOTED…

Since 2020, it’s gotten easier to cast your ballot in California. Here are the changes that are making your life easier:

When making a plan to vote…

  • All active voters will now automatically receive mail ballots for every election. You’ll be able to track your ballot and return these at drop boxes all over the state.

Do This Now!

2 Opportunities

Resources

  • Find the details on accessible voting in your state, including early voting, Election Day voting, mail voting, and accessible mail voting tools for people with print disabilities.

    Learn More

  • Get your absentee ballot here!

    Learn More

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

    Learn More

Crooked Media has the shows you need to stay informed and engaged this critical election cycle — find them here.

Crooked Media has the shows you need to stay informed and engaged this critical election cycle — find them here.