CA Voter Registration

Having the freedom to vote shouldn't be ignored as many of your ancestors put time and effort into ensuring that you would have this right. Voter registration in California can be completed so easily that there is no reason why you can't have your voice in the next election.

Qualifications for California Voter's Registration

If you are trying to register for voting rights in California, there are certain requirements that you must first meet:

  • Legal U.S. Citizen
  • California Resident
  • At Least 18 Years Old
  • Not Incarcerated within California Prison or on Parole for Felony Convictions
  • No Court Judgment of Mental Incompetence
One exception is if you are not 18 but will have reached the age of 18 by the next California election, in which you will be allowed to register for voting rights. If you wish to vote in the next election, you must register to vote in California at least 25 days prior to the election.

  • For information about absentee voting, you can visit the local voting office or visit online at County Elections Offices where you can also register to vote online.
How to Register for California Voting Rights

There are different registration methods you can choose from, depending on the most convenient or easy method for you.

  1. Go to the DMV office closest to you and pick up your Voter Registration Form for English or Voter Registration Form in Spanish.
  2. Complete the form and send to the appropriate County Election Official which you can find at County Elections Offices; or complete the digital version found at Voter Registration Form for English or Spanish.
  3. You have not completed your registration until you sign the form mailed to you after submitting the application, mailing back to the address specified on the envelope.
For more forms or information about registering to vote in California, you can visit the Secretary of State at Voter Registration.

Changing your Address or Voting Information

If you are moving to a new address, changing your name, or changing your political affiliation, you should know what steps to take to ensure your voter registration goes with you. If you are moving to a home within the same county in California, your voter registration information will be updated when you inform the DMV of the change. However, you will need to re-register if any of the following apply.

  • Moving to a new county in California
  • Changing your legal name
  • Changing political party