California State General Election Information

Video: Guide for the New Voter

If you're getting ready to vote for the first time, this short video can help. It goes over the basic requirements for voting in the U.S., and explains why it's important to know your state's specific rules for voting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAI9vuvCads

How do I register to vote?

To register to vote in California, you must be:

• A United States citizen and a resident of California;

• 18 years old or older on Election Day;

• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony; and

• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

If you are eligible, you can register to vote or update your registration online at https://castudentvote.org/. If you would like to fill out a physical form, voter registration applications can be found at post offices and libraries. You must re-register to vote if you move, change your name, or change your political party preference.

Important Dates:

September 19, 2023: National Voter Registration Day

February 20, 2024: Last Day to register to vote for the Primary Election

March 5, 2024: Primary Election Day

October 21, 2024: Voter Registration Deadlines

In Person: 15 days before Election Day

By Mail: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day

Online: 15 days before Election Day November 5, 2024 General Election

* If the voter registration deadline has passed, you can still conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot in person at your County Elections Office at any time up to and including Election Day. You can also conditionally register at your polling place on Election Day. Your provisional ballot will be counted when your County Elections Official verifies your voter registration.

Conditional registration may also be available in County Elections satellite offices and vote centers.

November 5, 2024: General Election day. Last day to return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail with prepaid postage postmarked on or before this date. You can also vote in-person by returning your ballot to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

What’s on the ballot?

Your general Election ballot will include

Ballot Propositions
Statewide candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Member of State Board of Equalization, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
U.S. Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Assembly Member
Supreme Court Justices, as well as other local candidates and local measures.

Finding voting information and fact checking

Ballotready.org allows you to type in your address and see who your candidate is and what referendum are going to be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia.org allows you to enter their address to get information on ballot measures, candidates, information about candidates, polling locations, and hours for your location and more. Ballotpedia.org also has information about different political parties. Click here to learn more about different political parties.
CSUN Finding Newspaper LibGuide
CSUN Fact Check News LibGuide