You can register to vote if you are a US citizen and resident of the state of California over the age of 18.15 days before Election Day is the deadline for registration.You can still vote if you fail to register by the deadline.
Step 1: You can register to vote on the online voter registration site.
The Secretary of State's office has a website where you can register to vote.To register to vote, go to the website.Click the button that says "Register to Vote Now" if you want to proceed with the application.You can choose from Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese if you would prefer the application in another language.
Step 2: The option that matches your citizenship is the one you choose.
If you choose the first option, you would be classified as a US citizen and resident of California.You don't have to reside in California to register to vote if you are a US citizen.If you are a service member stationed overseas or a US citizen living outside the US, there are additional options.Click the "Next" button if you have chosen the correct option.
Step 3: Provide your identification number and personal information.
First and last name, email address, and phone number are required.You can provide your date and place of birth by scrolling down.The home address is required further down on the form.You can enter your California driver's license number, California identification card number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number for identification.Check the appropriate boxes if you don't have a state identification card or Social Security number.An identification number will be assigned to you by the elections official.If you want, you can give your phone number and email address.It is a matter of public record if you give your phone number.Your email address doesn't.
Step 4: The form has optional sections.
If you want to receive election materials in a language you prefer, you have the option to identify your race or ethnicity below the identification section.You can choose your political party preference below the mailing address section.There are no questions regarding race or ethnicity.You can choose "No party" if you don't want to be associated with a party.If you don't choose a party, you may not be able to vote in the primary elections.
Step 5: You can use your signature to sign the application.
You can use your California driver's license or identification card to sign your application when you register online.The system will look for your information in the database.If you don't have a driver's license or state identification card, you will have to sign the form and mail it to the elections office.The address for your county elections office can be found at www.sos.ca.gov.
Step 6: Wait for your voter registration card to arrive.
You should get a notice from the Secretary of State's office within 3 weeks after you register to vote.If you don't receive anything after 3 weeks, contact your county elections official and ask if you're registered to vote.You can find contact information for your county elections office at www.sos.ca.gov.You can check your voter status on the internet.You will need to enter your first and last name, California driver's license or identification card number, last 4 digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth.
Step 7: You can pick up a paper application.
Paper voter registration applications are available at a number of government offices.You can get a voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.To find contact information for your county elections office, you need to scroll to find the county where you live.
Step 8: Use black ink to fill out your application.
Print your name, date of birth, and mailing address in the spaces provided when you check the boxes for citizenship.The last 4 digits of your Social Security number should be included with the number for your California driver's license or identification card.Leave the fields blank if you don't have a California driver's license or identification card.You will be assigned a voter identification number by your county elections official.After you've filled out the application, sign and date it.You might want to make a copy of your records.
Step 9: You can mail your application to the elections office.
You can seal your application by folding it and putting it in an envelope.Place the postage in the mail.If you don't want to mail your application, you can bring it to the elections office in person.If the address isn't listed on the application, you can find it at the website.
Step 10: You will get notice that you are registered to vote.
You should get a notice from your county elections office within 3 weeks of mailing your application.If you don't get this notice, you can call your county elections office and ask if your registration has been completed.You can check your voting status by going to thevoterstatus.sos.ca.gov.Before you use this site, allow at least a week for your application to be received and processed.
Step 11: Find a location where you can register to vote.
If you missed the deadline, you can still register and vote during the early voting period.You must register to vote at an early voting location.To find the location nearest you, go to the website.You can search by county, city or zip code.If you have a California driver's license, bring it with you.
Step 12: You must complete a voter registration card.
You will be given a registration form at the early voting location.You have to give your full name, mailing address, place of birth, citizenship and residency status.There are fields for your California driver's license or identification card number, as well as the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.You can leave these fields blank if you don't have a California driver's license or identification card.An election official will give you a voter identification number.
Step 13: Vote your ballot.
On the same day, you can vote on a provisional ballot if you haven't completed your voter registration.Your ballot will be counted once you register.You don't need to re-register for the next election.Your registration is permanent through this process.
Step 14: You should confirm your registration status.
Your county elections office will mail you a notice when you are certified as a voter.If you haven't received a notice in 3 weeks, you should call your county elections office and ask if you're a registered voter.You can check your voting status online.