Registering to Vote

To participate in an election, Californians need to be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day.

For this and other important election deadlines, see Election Dates and Resources.

How do you register to vote by the deadline?

To register to vote, fill in the online voter registration application. You can also print a blank application or pick up an application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices. To have a paper application mailed to you call your county elections office or the Secretary of State's toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.

If you have a driver license or a California identification card, you must provide the number on the registration form. If you do not have one of those forms of identification, provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a social security number but are eligible to register to vote, you will be assigned a unique identifying number for voting purposes only.

Once you register you may participate in all state and local elections, and will not need to register to vote again unless you move to a new address, change your name or change your political party affiliation.

Who may register and vote after the deadline?

State law allows some new citizens and new state residents to register to vote and cast a ballot even when they will not become eligible until after the voter registration deadline for that election.

New citizens: If you meet all the other requirements to vote in California but will not become a U.S. citizen until less than 15 days before the next election, you may still have an opportunity to register to vote and cast a ballot. To do this, you will need to visit your county elections office, or another county-designated location, anytime up until the close of the polls on Election Day. You must bring proof that you are a U.S. citizen, and sign an affidavit declaring you are eligible to vote in California.
New residents: If you meet all the other requirements to vote in California but did not become a California resident until less than 15 days before the next election, you may still have an opportunity to register to vote and cast a ballot during a presidential election. To do this, you will need to visit your county elections office at least 7 days before Election Day. You must sign an affidavit declaring you are eligible to vote in California and have not voted in the same election in any other state. As a new California resident for less than 15 days, you are eligible to vote for President and Vice President, but for no other office.

Registering to Vote

How do you register to vote by the deadline?

Who may register and vote after the deadline?

New Voters

New Voter Information