In-person voting
Make sure you know where your polling place is and have a plan for voting day.
Mail-in voting
Ballots are mailed to all registered voters in California. Be sure to register to vote by OCTOBER 21 and mail your ballot before Election Day.
Early voting
Vote early in California beginning OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 4.
Are you ready for it?
Be sure to register online or by mail to vote in California by OCTOBER 21. Same-day registration is also available on Election Day.
Frequently asked questions
Who can register to vote in California?
To register to vote in California you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of California
- Be at least 18 years old on the day of the next election
- Not convicted of a felony (or, if so, have had your civil rights restored)
- Not judged mentally incompetent in a court of law
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Yes! California offers same-day voter registration. Visit a polling location on Election Day, November 5, to register.
What are the voter registration deadlines?
- To submit your voter registration by mail, online, or in person, your registration must be received by October 21.
- California also offers same-day voter registration on Election Day, November 5.
What do I need to bring to vote?
Please bring appropriate ID. Examples of acceptable forms of personal identification are as follows:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The county Voter Information Guide you received from your county elections office
- Another document sent to you by a government agency
- A copy of your passport, driver license, California identification card, or student identification card.
- For more information on the type of identification to use when you vote for the first time, review the complete list of acceptable forms of identification (PDF)
Voters without ID may be able to vote provisionally.
How can I vote from overseas or in the military?
Learn more about how to vote if you are living abroad or serving in the military.