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How to Vote in California’s November 5, 2024 Election

September 6, 2024 Guides & Reports

In the U.S., Asian American immigrants were barred from becoming naturalized citizens until 1952––and by extension, denied a voice in our democracy. Today, we’re still fighting to make sure every voter, no matter what language we use, can cast our ballots– and a part of that is making sure everyone knows how to vote.

Get Ready

California’s general elections will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. To cast your ballot, there are key dates all voters should know.

Until October 21, you can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov or get a form at the DMV, post office, library, or your county elections office. If you miss the deadline, you can still register and vote in person. Through November 5, you can register in person at your elections office or at your polling place.

If you are already registered to vote, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to make sure all of your information is correct. If you’re registered by Monday, October 21, you will receive your ballot in the mail.

How to Cast Your Ballot

There are three main ways to cast your ballot: vote by mail, drop it off at a voting location or secure drop box, or vote in person.

Vote by Mail

All California voters who are registered by October 21 will receive their ballot in the mail. You can also return your ballot by mail. Fill out your ballot, place it in the provided envelope, and sign, date, and seal the envelope. No postage is needed. Your ballot must be postmarked by November 5 to be counted.

Drop it Off

You can drop off your ballot at your county elections office or any voting location. Most counties also have secure drop boxes that are available starting in early October. You can look up drop boxes at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov. Your ballot must be dropped off at any of these locations before 8 pm PT on November 5 to be counted.

Vote in Person

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm PT. You can look up your polling place at sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.

Many counties will also offer in-person early voting from Saturday, October 26 through Tuesday, November 5. Check with your local elections office or look up voting locations at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov. To make voting in person even easier, bring the ballot you received by mail to your voting location.

Find more information on how to vote, including information in over a dozen languages, visit:
How to Vote in California’s November 5, 2024 Election

We offer a wide range of voting rights and voter engagement fact sheets. Find the November 2024 Election resources: