How To Vote: Step by Step

 

You can register in English, Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese,  Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai or Tiếng Việt Vietnamese

To register, you need
  • Your California driver's license or California identification card number,
  • The last four digits of your social security number, and
  • Your date of birth.
Your information will be provided to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to retrieve a copy of your DMV signature.

If you do not have a California driver's license or California identification card, you can still use this form to apply to register to vote. However, you will need to take additional steps to complete your voter registration.

Register to Vote Completing the CA Voter Registration Card (video)
  • In California, you can choose a political party preference (Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, etc.) or choose No Party. In the primary elections, your ballot will not have the presidential candidates on it unless you request one.
  • Curious if you'd like to be a Democrat or Republican? Take the Pew Political Typology Quiz to find out which political group you match.

No Party Preference Information Pew Political Typology Quiz

Watch the Mail for your Ballot

  • Your vote will be counted even if you don't vote for everything on the ballot.
  • The last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, election is October 21, 2024. If you miss the deadline, California has same-day registration at the polls!
  • All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
  • Your county elections office will set a date for mailing ballots about a month before the election.
  • Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or your county elections office.
  • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 5, 2024.
  • On election day, November 5, 2024, you can also vote at your polling place: enter your address at Vote411.org.

Returning Completed Vote by Mail Ballot (video) Visit our Ballot Information & News page

Vote By Mail (most popular!)

If you've registered, you'll receive a ballot in the mail. Follow the instructions carefully and use the return envelope: no postage required! Sign your envelope and mail before or on Nov. 5.

Use a Drop Box 

If you've registered, you'll receive a ballot in the mail. Follow the instructions carefully and use the return envelope. Bring your ballot to a secure drop box before or on Nov. 5.

Vote Early (cast your ballot at an early voting location)

Vote or, if you missed the registration deadline, register to vote at an early voting site.

Vote at your Polling Place on Election Day

If you missed the registration deadline, you can register and vote on Nov. 5 at a polling place.

Track Your Ballot!

 

Still Have Questions?