CALIFORNIA

Voter Registration Deadline: 15 days before Election Day.

Eligible voters can also register to vote and cast a ballot at the same time, known as Conditional Voter Registration, at their county election official’s office or polling place for early or Election Day voting. More information on conditional registration may be found at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/

2024 Election Information

Presidential Primary: March 5, 2024

• Voter Registration Deadline: February 20

General Election: November 5, 2024

• Voter Registration Deadline: October 21

For information on upcoming 2024 local elections, please visit: sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/county-administered-elections

More election information available at:

sos.ca.gov/elections

Online Voter Registration Form available at:

registertovote.ca.gov

Students have a decision about where to register to vote.

You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family’s home or the place where you attend school. You should update your registration anytime this home address changes.

You may only be registered and vote in one location.

California’s online registration system requires a driver’s license or ID card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your birthday. The paper voter registration form asks for a California driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Make a plan. Check your voter registration and absentee ballot status or look up your voting site and hours at:

sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place

By Mail: California conducts elections primarily by mail. All active, registered California voters will receive a ballot in the mail.

• Completed Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline: Completed vote-by-mail ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 7 days after Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots returned in person must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can return your ballot in-person at your county’s election office, a polling place, or a designated drop box in your county. Find a list of polling places and drop box locations at: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/.

Track your absentee ballot at: california.ballottrax.net/voter/

Early In-Person: Some counties offer in-person voting before Election Day. Contact your county election officials to determine if your county offers early in-person voting. More information is available at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voters-choice-act.

Election Day: Voting sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time, then you have a right to vote.

Does Registering to Vote Affect my Federal Financial Aid?

Where you register to vote will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA.

Does Registering to Vote Affect my Status as a Dependent on My Parents’ Taxes?

Being registered to vote at a different address from your parents does not prevent them from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes.

Does Registering to Vote impact my Tuition Status?

Being deemed out-of-state for tuition purposes does not prevent you from choosing to register to vote in your campus community.

Will registering to vote in California affect my driver’s license or car registration?

As a full-time student in California, you may be required to obtain a California driver’s license and update your car’s registration, regardless of whether you register to vote there. For more information, contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles.