Voting

High School Students– are you ready to make your voice heard? Get  involved in the democratic process now! Pre-registering and registering to vote is the first step to participating in California’s elections.

16 and 17-year-olds can get a head start on voting by pre-registering. This doesn’t change the voting age, but it means you can complete your registration now and be ready to vote as soon as you turn 18.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: If you are 16 or 17 and meet the other eligibility requirements for voting, you can pre-register.
• How to Pre-Register: The easiest way is to visit the California Online Voter Registration website.
• Information You’ll Need: When you pre-register online, have your California driver’s license or identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth ready.
• No CA ID? No problem! You can still apply online, but you’ll need to print, sign, and mail a form to complete the process.
• Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation once your application is approved.

18-Year-Olds and Over who meet the eligibility requirements can register to vote right now!

• How to Register:
  • Online: Visit the California Online Voter Registration website to register instantly.
  • By Mail: You can pick up a paper registration form at your county elections office, the DMV, post offices, and public libraries.
  • In-Person (Conditional Voter Registration): If you’ve missed the registration deadline (15 days before an election), you may still be able to conditionally register and cast a provisional ballot at your county elections office or a vote center.
  • Information You’ll Need: The same information is required as for pre-registration: your California driver’s license or ID card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

Language Options: The online voter registration application is available in multiple languages and registering to vote is your choice, but informed citizens who vote are critical to a healthy republic.

Have Questions or Want to Report Fraud?

• Call the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or your county elections office.