Who Can Vote in California?
The following information is a brief summary, but please consult the resources below for more details.
All registered voters can vote in a primary or general election.
You may register to vote in California if you meet the following criteria:
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You are a United States citizen.
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You are residing in California.
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You are at least 18 years of age (or will be by the date of the next election).
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You are not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony.
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You have not been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent to register and vote.
Online Voter Registration Resources
National Mail Voter Registration Form
The National Mail Voter Registration Form can be used to register U.S. citizens to vote, update registration information due to a change of name, make a change of address, or register with a political party.
Important: You must follow the state-specific instructions listed for your state, beginning on page 3 and listed alphabetically by state. After filling out this form, print it out, sign your name where indicated, and send it to your state or local election office for processing. Be sure to mail it in an envelope with the proper amount of postage.
Voter Registration Deadlines
Voting Accessibility
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 was passed by the United States Congress to make sweeping reforms to the nation’s voting process. HAVA addresses improvements to voting systems and voter access that were identified following the 2000 election. Read the Help America Vote Act of 2002 and learn more about HAVA on the Department of Justice website.
The national form also contains voter registration rules and regulations for each state and territory. For more information about registering to vote, contact your state election office. Read our FAQs about moving and registering to vote and using the National Mail Voter Registration Form.