With the upcoming elections in California, every eligible citizen needs to exercise their right to vote.

Important Dates

1. Register at least 15 days before Election Day. The General Election date is November 5, 2024; your registration must be postmarked or submitted electronically by October 21, 2024.

2. Visit 2024 County Administered Elections for a more detailed county calendar. For the most up-to-date information, contact your county elections official or local elections official as some municipal elections may not be included on the list.

3. All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Election. Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by October 7, 2024.

4. Ballot drop-off locations open on October 8, 2024

5. Vote centres open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning on October 26, 2024.

6. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 12, 2024.

How to Register to Vote in California

If you haven’t registered to vote yet, or if you need to update your registration, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Eligibility: To register to vote in California, you must be:

• • • • • A U.S. citizen
        • A California resident
        • At least 18 years old on Election Day
        • Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
        • Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court

2. Register Online: This is the easiest way to register. You’ll need your California driver’s licence or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Visit the California Online Voter Registration to get started.

3. Register by Mail: You can also register by filling out a paper application, which can be obtained from your local county elections office, library, DMV, or U.S. post office. Mail or hand-deliver the completed form to your county elections office.

4. Check Your Registration Status: Ensure your registration is current and accurate by visiting the My Voter Status page.

Voting by Mail

All registered voters in California are automatically sent a vote-by-mail ballot. You can return your ballot by mailing or returning it in person to your county elections offices, at a drop-off location, or any polling place in your county.

Why Every Vote Counts

1. Representation: Your vote helps determine who will represent you. Elected officials make decisions that impact your daily life, such as public transportation, education, and healthcare.

2. Impact on Local Issues: Local elections can directly affect community issues such as school funding, law enforcement policies, and public services. Your vote can influence the outcomes of these matters.

3. Voice for the Voiceless: When you vote, you also speak for people who can’t vote, like children, non-citizens, and those who have lost their right to vote. Your vote can help advocate for policies that support and protect these groups.

Your vote is your voice. It’s a powerful tool that can shape the future of your community, state, and country. Ensure you’re registered, informed, and ready to vote in the upcoming California elections.

For more information, visit the California Secretary of State. Let’s get out there and make our voices heard!