Do I need an ID to vote in California? Here are state requirements for presidential election
Election Day has arrived in California.
The 2024 general election includes candidates for president, U.S. senators and representatives and ballot propositions.
Wondering what you need to bring with you to vote?
If you’re planning on vote in person at the polls, here’s what you need to know about state requirements:
When is Election Day?
The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
When do voting centers open in California? When do polls close?
On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.
Do I need to bring my ID to vote in California?
In California, most voters do not need to show identification at polling places, according to the California Secretary of State.
However, first-time voters who registered by mail without providing a driver license number, state ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number might be required to show identification.
“In this case, be sure to bring identification with you to your polling place or include a copy of it with your vote-by-mail ballot,” the California Secretary of State website said.
Acceptable forms to bring to your polling place include:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Official state identification card
- Student identification card showing your name and photograph
How late can I take my ballot to a drop-off location?
You can drop off your ballot or take it to a voting center no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
You can find your nearest location on the California Secretary of State’s website.
Can I be turned away at the polls on Election Day?
If you’re eligible to vote and in line before the polls close, you can not be turned away.
California law says residents must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day.
However, you can still cast a ballot on Election Day, according to the California Secretary of State.
If you get to the polls and your name is not on the list of registered voters, ask for a provisional ballot.
According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, registered voters have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if they’re not on the registration list or if their voter eligibility is challenged by an election official.
A provisional ballot ensures your vote is counted even if there’s an issue with your registration on Election Day.
Your vote will be counted once officials confirm that you’re registered in that county and haven’t already voted in the current election.
Have a question about the 2024 general election?
You can ask the California service journalism team by submitting questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below.
We have reporters in Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Fresno and Merced.
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Do I need an ID to vote in California? Here are state requirements for presidential election."
