Important Dates and Election Info
Here are the key dates for voting in California:
- Last day of regular registration: Monday, Oct. 21
- First day of conditional registration: Tuesday, Oct. 22
- Last day to apply for a replacement absentee ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter Registration: Regular registration closes on Monday, Oct. 21, for the general election. You can check your registration status using the state’s voter status tool.
- Mail Voting: All registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot before the election.
- Early Voting: Voters can cast an absentee ballot at their county clerk’s office starting Monday, Oct. 7. If you live in a Voter’s Choice Act county, there are more early voting options available starting Saturday, Oct. 26.
- Voting at the Polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you registered by mail without including ID and are voting for the first time, you may need to show an acceptable form of ID.
Recent Voting Changes in California
Some laws that took effect in 2023 may affect how you vote in 2024:
- State referenda will now be worded as “Keep the law” or “Overturn the law” instead of “Yes” and “No.”
- All polling places statewide must offer curbside voting and provide magnifying glasses and signature guide cards for those with vision issues.
- Vote-by-mail ballots returned at a polling place can be processed just like in-person ballots.
- You can request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot without needing to provide a statement about the original ballot’s status.
How to Register to Vote
- Online: Use the secretary of state’s online portal to register by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21. You’ll need your California driver’s license or state ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By Mail or In Person: Registration forms are available at county elections offices, DMV field offices, some public libraries, U.S. post offices, and other government offices. You can call 800-345-8683 or your county elections office to request a mailed form. Completed forms must be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office by Monday, Oct. 21.
California also offers automatic voter registration when you get or renew your driver’s license or state ID, unless you opt out.
Check Your Registration Status
You can check your voter registration status using the state’s voter status tool.
Conditional Registration
If you miss the registration deadline, California offers conditional registration (also known as same-day registration). You can register and vote at your county elections office, county vote center, or polling place from Tuesday, Oct. 22, through Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) at 8 p.m.
How to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot
County elections officials will start sending out vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters on Monday, Oct. 7. If you need a replacement ballot, here’s how to get one:
- Online: Download, print, and complete a vote-by-mail application. Then mail or hand-deliver it to your county elections office.
- By Phone or In Person: Call or visit your county elections office to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot.
Your county elections office must receive your completed replacement ballot application by Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Military and overseas voters have different procedures for requesting and returning a ballot. More information is available on the secretary of state’s website.
Returning a Vote-by-Mail Ballot
You can return your completed ballot by mail or in person:
- By Mail: Send your ballot to your county elections office using the prepaid envelope provided. It must be postmarked by Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) and received by Tuesday, Nov. 12.
- In Person: Drop off your ballot at any polling place, county vote center, ballot drop box, or county elections office. Ballot drop-box locations open on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and close on Election Day at 8 p.m. If someone else is dropping off your ballot, make sure to complete the authorization section on the outside of the envelope.
Use the state’s online tool to track your ballot.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
If you want to vote early in person, you can cast a vote-by-mail ballot at your county clerk’s office starting Monday, Oct. 7. If you live in a Voter’s Choice Act county, additional early voting options are available starting Saturday, Oct. 26.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can find your polling place using the state elections website.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
In most cases, you won’t need to show ID to vote. However, if you registered by mail as a first-time voter and didn’t provide your California driver’s license, state ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number, you may need to show an approved form of ID, such as a California driver’s license or U.S. passport. For more information, call the secretary of state’s voter hotline at 800-345-8683.
Voting with a Disability
Voters with disabilities can request to vote from home using a remote accessible vote-by-mail system that works with their technology to help them read and mark their ballot.
All polling places and vote centers in California offer curbside voting and are equipped with accessible voting machines. If you need help marking your ballot, up to two people can assist you, as long as they aren’t your employer or part of your labor union.
