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.