In California, the deadline to register to vote for an election is 15 days before each local and statewide Election Day. However, if you miss the deadline, you can visit your local county elections office to register and vote using a provisional ballot. Also, if you're in one of the Voter Choice Act pilot counties you can register up to, and on election day.
Not sure if you're registered? You can check on the Secretary of State's website.
California Voting Rights
Know your voting rights! Voting rights resources can be found here.
Interested in serving as a poll worker? Get information here.
Obtaining Voter Registration Forms
You (or anyone) can get voter registration forms at your county elections office, library, or U.S. Post Office.
To obtain more than a handful of forms, contact your county elections office or the California Secretary of State's Office. If you need 50 or more voter registration cards, complete and submit a Statement of Distribution Form. Click here and scroll down to "Statement of Distribution Form for Voter Registration Cards."
Online Voter Registration
Individuals can now register to vote online on the California Secretary of State's website.
When you register online, the system will search the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database for your California driver's license or identification card number, date of birth, and last four digits of your social security number. If your information is found and you authorize elections officials' use of your DMV signature, an electronic image of your DMV signature will be added to your voter registration application after you click "submit" at the end of the online application. It's so easy!
Useful Voter Registration Resources
The California Secretary of State's website provides helpful information regarding voter registration. You can find your county elections office here.
The California Secretary of State's website as well as many county elections office websites offer voter registration information in Spanish and other languages.
Other information about voter registration that you might find helpful is available on the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund's website and the Nonprofit Vote website.
Webinars for Nonprofits
Nonprofit Vote offers webinars for nonprofit organizations engaging in voter registration and education, as well as lots of useful materials and resources. Visit their website here.