Civic Engagement Tools

CA Voter Registration Information

How to Register:

- Online: Visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov - the fastest and easiest method. You'll need your California driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
- By Mail: Download a registration form at sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration or pick one up at libraries, post offices, and DMV offices. Mail the completed form to your county elections office.
- In Person: Register at your county elections office or any DMV office.

Key Deadlines:

- Register online or by mail at least 15 days before Election Day
- California offers Same-Day Voter Registration (also called Conditional Voter Registration) during the 14-day period before Election Day and on Election Day itself at your county elections office or any vote center

Eligibility Requirements:

- U.S. citizen and California resident
- 18 years old or older on Election Day (16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register and will be automatically registered when they turn 18)
- Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction
- Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court

Check Your Registration Status: Visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to confirm your registration, find your polling place, and check what's on your ballot.

Update Your Registration: If you've moved, changed your name, or want to update your party preference, re-register using the same methods above.

Finding Your Polling Location

Official Polling Place Finder: Visit the California Secretary of State's website at vote.ca.gov or voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to find your polling location. Simply enter your address to see:

- Your assigned polling place and hours
- Early voting locations and vote centers in your county
- What's on your ballot
- Your voter registration status

County-Specific Resources: Many California counties now use Vote Centers instead of traditional polling places, allowing you to vote at any center in your county during early voting or on Election Day. Check your county elections website for specific locations and hours.

For San Diego County: Visit sdvote.com or call (858) 565-5800 for information about:

- Vote Center locations (San Diego uses Vote Centers, not traditional polling places)
- Early voting options (Vote Centers open several days before Election Day)
- Ballot drop box locations available 24/7

Need Help?

- Call the California Voter Hotline: 1-800-345-VOTE (8683)
- For TTY/TDD users: 1-800-833-8683

Remember: California allows you to vote by mail, at early voting locations, or on Election Day—choose whichever method works best for you!

CA Election Calendars and Deadlines

2026 Key Election Dates:

Primary Election - June 2, 2026

- May 18: Last day to register to vote online or by mail (15 days before Election Day)
- May 19-June 2: Conditional Voter Registration available at county elections offices and vote centers
- May 26-June 2: Early voting at vote centers (dates vary by county)
- June 2: Election Day - polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

General Election - November 3, 2026

- October 19: Last day to register to vote online or by mail
- October 20-November 3: Conditional Voter Registration available
- Late October-November 3: Early voting at vote centers
- November 3: Election Day - polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Important Deadlines for Every Election:

- Voter Registration: 15 days before Election Day (online or by mail)
- Vote-by-Mail Ballot Requests: 7 days before Election Day
- Vote-by-Mail Ballots (postmarked): Must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within 7 days
- Vote-by-Mail Ballots (drop box): By 8:00 PM on Election Day
- In-Person Voting: Election Day, 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (early voting available at vote centers)

Ongoing Opportunities:

- Pre-registration for 16-17 year olds: Available year-round at registertovote.ca.gov
- Party preference changes: Can be updated anytime, but must be done 15 days before primary elections to vote in partisan primaries

Check Specific Dates: Visit sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections for the most current calendar and any special elections in your area.