How to Vote in California

Flag of California
“Eureka”— I Have Found It
Capital: Sacramento Nickname: The Golden State Admitted: 1850 (31st state) Electoral Votes: 54
State Bird: California Quail State Flower: California Poppy
Registration Deadline 15 days before Election Day; conditional same-day registration available
Voter ID Required No ID required
Early Voting Yes
Absentee / Mail-In All-mail voting
Polling Hours 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Electoral Votes 54

Voter Registration in California

The voter registration deadline in California is 15 days before Election Day; conditional same-day registration available.

California offers online voter registration.

California has automatic voter registration — eligible citizens are registered automatically through state agencies (e.g., DMV).

In California, eligible residents can pre-register to vote at age 16.

Register to vote in California →

Voter ID Requirements in California

California requires No ID required identification to vote.

Early Voting in California

Yes — California offers early voting.

Vote-by-mail ballots sent to all registered voters; early in-person voting begins 29 days before Election Day in VCA counties

Absentee & Mail-In Voting in California

Absentee and mail-in voting in California: All-mail voting.

All registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot; in-person voting also available

Polling Hours in California

Polls in California are open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Voting Rights & Restoration in California

Felony voting rights in California: After prison.

After You Vote in California

Your vote matters — and you have the right to confirm it was received and counted.

Track your ballot: Visit the California Secretary of State elections website to check the status of your ballot.
Verify your registration: Confirm your voter registration is still active at CanIVote.org or Vote.org.
Voted by mail? Use USPS Informed Delivery to track your ballot envelope in transit.
Provisional ballot? Keep your receipt — most states let you check its status online within 7–10 days.
Need help? Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Register to Vote in California →