About
Five easy steps to vote by mail in
California
Updated Oct 12, 2020
Register to vote
Your deadline to register online is October 19. You can register here.
If registering by mail, make sure it's postmarked by October 19, or received by November 3 if done in person!
Get your ballot
Great news! California is mailing ballots to all registered voters and there's no need to apply. If you haven't received your ballot, check with your local election office or make sure you're registration info is correct!
Fill in your ballot
Make sure you completely fill in your selections and double-check everything you write in.
Not sure where to research candidates and referendums? Resources like BallotReady provide clear, non-partisan explanations for everything.
Sign and seal
Most ballots have specific instructions on how and where to sign and seal both ballot and envelope. Read the instructions carefully.
Mail in or drop off ballot
In California, your voted ballot must be returned to any polling place, local County Elections Office, or via County drop boxes. Updated information for the general election is still awaited, so please check back soon!
Make sure to drop your ballot off by November 3.
If sending by mail, your ballot needs to be received by November 3, but you want to send it as soon as possible to allow ample time for processing.
