AB 1094, relating to the close of registration, was chaptered on September 29, 2000 and took effect on January 1, 2001. AB 1094 allows persons to register to vote 15 days prior to an election instead of the 29 days previously required.

Sample Ballots

A sample ballot will be mailed to each voter who registers or re-registers at least 29 days prior to an election. Persons who register between 29 and 15 days prior to an election may be sent a sample ballot if there is time to process these last minute registrations. If not, such registrants will receive a post card confirming voter registration, which will also include a notice of their polling place location.

For ALL elections, extra sample ballots will be available at polling place locations.

Election Rosters

Election rosters may be printed prior to the 15 day close of registration. California has a provisional voting process to handle voters whose eligibility to vote cannot be verified by a precinct worker.

If a voter's name does not appear on the election roster at his or her polling place location, the person will be required to show proof of current residence in order to receive a provisional ballot.

Ballots for such voters are placed in provisional ballot envelopes. Each provisional ballot is researched by election officials. A provisional ballot is not counted unless the Elections Official establishes from the records in their office the claimants' right to vote prior to the completion of the official canvass, or by order of the Superior Court in the county of the voter's residence.

Requirements to Register to Vote in California

To be eligible to register to vote in California you must:

• be a United States Citizen;

• be 18 years of age on or before the day of the election;

• be a resident of the State of California; and

• not be in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

How to Register to Vote

To register to vote you must obtain and complete a voter registration form. Voter registration forms can be obtained by:

• calling your local county elections official and requesting a form; or

• using our English | Spanish On-line voter registration form.

• calling our toll-free voter registration hotline at 1-800-345-VOTE and requesting a form; or

• downloading a voter registration form from this web site
  (click here for PDF download)

Copyright ©2007 California Secretary of State. Privacy Statement