Still need to vote in California? Here are the rules on same-day registration on Election Day
Haven’t registered to vote yet in California?
It’s not too late.
If you live in California, you can register to vote on Election Day. Here’s how:
Who is eligible to vote in California?
According to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights, you’re eligible to vote in California if:
- You are a U.S. citizen residing in California.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You’re registered to vote where you currently reside.
- You are not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony.
- A court has not found you incompetent to vote.
Can I register to vote on Election Day in California?
California offers same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration, as a way to help ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast a vote on Election Day — even if they missed the Oct. 21 deadline.
On Election Day, you can register to vote at your county elections office, any polling place or a vote center.
Be sure to arrive before polls close at 8 p.m.
As long as you’re in line by the 8 p.m. deadline, you’ll still be able to vote.
You can look up your closest polling place online.
What do I need to bring with me for same-day voter registration?
Since you will be registering to vote, you will need a form of identification.
Acceptable forms of ID 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
- Last four digits of your social security number
Your ballot will be “processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process,” the California Secretary of State said.
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.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Still need to vote in California? Here are the rules on same-day registration on Election Day."
