Register to vote by Oct. 19
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Election Day is just a couple of weeks away, and the UC community is gearing up to make our voices heard at the polls. Before you cast your ballot, you first have to register to vote. With so many important questions on the ballot in November — like deciding who you want to represent you in local, state and national governments — you don’t want to miss out.
Registering is easy. But if you’re new to voting or recently moved, it can be hard to know where to start. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Am I eligible to register to vote?
In general, you need to be 18 years old by Election Day and a U.S. citizen (in addition to some other requirements). To check if you qualify, see who can vote in California.
Not old enough to vote this year? If you live in California and you’re 16 or 17, you can pre-register so that the minute you turn 18, you’ll be all set to vote.
How do I register to vote?
In California, you can register to vote online right here and it takes about five minutes. Voting in another state? Rock the Vote can get you started, no matter where you call home.
By when do I need to register?
In California, the last day to register online is Oct. 19. But if you miss that deadline, you can still vote. After Oct. 19, California voters can register at their county elections offices or use Same Day Registration on Election Day.
I’m pretty sure I registered. Am I good to go?
It can’t hurt to check that your address is current and to re-register if it has changed.
Do I have to pick a political party?
No, and plenty of voters don’t. For some elections, like primaries, your party preference determines which candidates appear on your ballot. For general elections like the one coming up in November, your party preference makes no difference for your ballot.
I’m all registered. Now what?
Nice! As long as you took care of that before Oct. 19, you’ll get a ballot in the mail if you registered in California. Officials will start shipping those in early October, so keep an eye out for a big envelope in your mailbox with this logo on it.
Want to be really prepared? In California, you can track your mail ballot’s journey online.
What’s the best way to turn in my ballot?
California voters have lots of options. Choose the one that works best for you:
Mail: Fill out your ballot on your own time and put it in the mail. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, so it’s a good idea to get it in the mail a few days sooner. Postage is already paid. This also works if you’re in college in California, but voting by mail in your home state.
Drop box: Election officials have installed thousands of convenient, secure ballot boxes in communities across the state. If you’re a California voter, you can deposit your ballot in any official drop-box in the state, anytime between now and 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Find a drop location near you.
Don’t use a California ballot drop box if you’re voting by mail in another state — your ballot won’t make it to its destination.
Polling place: Return your completed ballot inside its signed envelope at any polling place before the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
I’m not eligible to vote in this election. Can I still get involved?
Yes. You may be able to sign up to work at the polls on Election Day. The job involves setting up and breaking down polling places, helping voters navigate the process and understand their rights, and keeping ballots secure. It’s fun, it’s vital to the democratic process, and it pays! Learn more or apply to work the polls.
You don’t have to join an organized group or take on a big-time commitment to make a difference this election season. Start by talking to your friends about why their vote matters.
Special FAQs for college students
As a college student, should I use my school address to register, or my home?
You can pick either, even if your home is in a different state, and there’s no wrong answer. Just make sure it’s somewhere you can get to on Election Day if you’re voting in person, or receive a ballot if you’re voting by mail.
In California, it’s easy to change your registration address before every election, so what you decide for November doesn’t lock you in for future elections.
Does registering to vote affect my financial aid or tuition?
Nope! The address you use to register will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans. If you’re an out-of-state student, you can register and vote in California, and it will not affect your state residency status when it comes to tuition.
Voter registration also has no bearing on your parents’ ability to claim you as a dependent on your FAFSA forms or their tax filing.
Where can I find more information about voting at my campus?
Every UC campus has its own office dedicated to making voting accessible for students. Contact your campus’s voting lead below: