Helpful Voting Links — California
For voting information specific to your state, click on the links below or in the blue or grey boxes. Or, browse the options below for an extensive directory of additional resources.
- Register to Vote
- Check your registration status
- State Election Website
- Find your Polling Place
- See Your Ballot
- Absentee Ballot Instructions
- Request an Absentee Ballot
- Felon Voting Laws
- Call the Election Office: (800) 345-8683
Primary/Caucus Info — California
Presidential
Procedure:
To vote in the June 7th primary all voters must be registered to vote by May 23rd. The Republican Party requires that voters register as Republican to participate in their presidential primary. The Democratic Party's presidential primary is open to registered democrats and voters that are unaffiliated with a political party. Nonpartisan ballots will also be available for state and local races.
If you have not voted in the last election or are unsure about your party we recommend that you re-register before May 23 to ensure participation in the presidential primary.
Statewide
What's on the ballot?
Some congressional seats, state offices and constitutional amendments may be included on the ballot. As California has its state primary and presidential primary on the same date in 2016, note that you may request a nonpartisan ballot that includes nonpartisan state races only if you do not wish to participate in the partisan election.
See Where Your Elected Officials Stand — California
Voter ID Requirements — California
What forms of ID are acceptable?
The following photo IDs that have photograph and name:
- Drivers license or state issued ID card
- Passport
- Employee ID card
- Credit or Debit card
- Military ID
- Student ID
- Health Club ID
- Insurance Plan ID card
- Utility Bill
- Bank Statement
- Government check
- Government Paycheck
- Document Issued by a governmental agency
- Sample ballot issued by a governmental agency
- Voter notification card issued by a governmental agency
- Public housing identification card issued by a governmental agency
- Lease or rental statement or agreement issued by a governmental agency
- Student identification card issued issued by a governmental agency
- Tuition statement of bill issued by a governmental agency
- Insurance plan card issued by a governmental agency
- Discharge certificate, pardon, or other official document issued to a voter in connection with the resolution of a criminal case, indictment, sentence, or other matter
- Public transportation authority senior citizen discount card issued by a governmental agency
- Identification document issued by governmental disability agencies
- Identification document issued by governmental homeless shelters and other 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 or certificate of ownership issued by a governmental agency
Early & Absentee Voting — California
Request an Absentee Ballot
Early Voting Dates: County-Specific
Many counties provide in-person early voting at select locations. Dates and locations are set by the county elections office and can be found here. No excuse required.
To vote absentee by mail, first you’ll need to apply for an absentee ballot no later than Nov. 1st. You can either select "permanent absentee" on your California voter registration or, if you are already registered, click here to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Then, when you complete your absentee ballot, it must be postmarked by the day before the election.
See Early And Absentee Info for All States