THE UNFUCKENING COMETH

September 1, 2020

Unfuck California

California Voter Information

California voter registration

First thing’s first, let’s check if you’re registered to vote. Once you’ve filled out this form, scroll down for instructions on how to register or vote if you’re already registered.

California voter registration

Voter registration deadlines

  • In Person: 15 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day.
  • Online: 15 days before Election Day.

Election day registration

If the voter registration deadline has passed, you can still conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot in person at your County Elections Office at any time up to and including Election Day. Your provisional ballot will be counted when your County Elections Official verifies your voter registration.

Conditional registration may also be available in County Elections satellite offices and vote centers.

Voter registration rules

To register in California you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States;
  • be a resident of California;
  • be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election;
  • not be imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony; and
  • not currently be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.

How to register to vote in California

  1. Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Sign and date your form. This is very important!
  3. Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
  4. Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.

Registering with felony status

If you have been convicted of a felony and have questions about whether you can register to vote, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility.

California absentee ballots

Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: On Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 7 days before Election Day.
  • Online: N/A

Voted absentee ballots are due

Postmarked by Election Day and received within 3 days of Election Day.

Absentee ballot rules

Any registered California voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

How to get an absentee ballot in California

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We’ll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it’s close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

Once you get your absentee ballot in California

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

california early voting

Early voting starts in California

29 days before the election. Varies by county. Voters should contact their county elections office to see if they offer early voting.

Early voting ends in California

The day before the election. Varies by county. Voters should contact their county elections office to see if they offer early voting.

California voter ID

In-person voter ID requirements

If you’re not voting for the first time in California, you don’t need to show ID to vote.

If you’re a first-time voter, you are voting in a federal election, you registered by mail, and didn’t include your driver’s license or California ID number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on your registration, you you may be asked to provide ID if you vote in person.

Acceptable forms of ID include a current and valid photo ID that includes your name and photograph. Examples:

  • Driver’s license or ID card of any state

  • Passport

  • Employee ID card

  • ID card provided by a commercial establishment

  • Credit or debit card

  • Military ID card

  • Student ID card

  • Health club ID card

  • Insurance plan ID card

  • Public housing ID card You can also use any of the following documents that includes your name and address as long as the document is dated after November 6, 2018:

  • Utility bill

  • Bank statement

  • Government check

  • Government paycheck

  • Document issued by a governmental agency

  • Sample ballot or other official elections document issued by a governmental agency dated for the upcoming election

  • Voter notification card issued by a governmental agency

  • Public housing ID card issued by a governmental agency

  • Lease or rental statement or agreement issued by a governmental agency

  • Student ID card issued by a governmental agency

  • Tuition statement or bill issued by a governmental agency

  • Insurance plan card or drug discount card issued by a governmental agency

  • Discharge certificates, pardons, or other official documents issued to you by a governmental agency in connection with the resolution of a criminal case, indictment, sentence, or other matter

  • Public transportation authority senior citizen and disabled discount cards issued by a governmental agency

  • ID documents issued by governmental disability agencies

  • ID documents issued by government homeless shelters and other government temporary or transitional facilities

  • Drug prescription issued by a government doctor or other governmental health care provider

  • Property tax statement issued by a governmental agency

  • Vehicle registration issued by a governmental agency

  • Vehicle certificate of ownership issued by a governmental agency

Absentee voter ID requirements

If you’re not voting for the first time in California, you don’t need to provide a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot.

If you’re a first time California voter who registered by mail and you didn’t provide ID when you registered, you’ll need to provide a photocopy of one of the following forms of ID along with your mail ballot:

  • A copy of a current photo ID showing your name and photograph
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
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