Golden State Today

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is encouraging eligible residents to register to vote before the October 21, 2024 deadline for the November 5, 2024 General Election. Eligible voters can register online at registertovote.ca.gov.

Voters unsure of their registration status can verify it at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. All active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

The process for voting by mail includes completing the ballot, sealing it in the return envelope, signing the envelope with a matching signature, and returning it either via drop box, mail, or in person by 8:00 p.m. on November 5. Voters can track their ballots at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Eligible citizens missing the October 21 deadline may still participate through "same day" voter registration at local county elections offices or any in-person voting location. These ballots are counted after voter registration verification.

For questions about voting procedures, early voting, and drop box locations, voters can contact the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Hotline available in multiple languages.

Key dates include October 21 as the last day to register for the election and October 26 when vote centers open for early voting in certain counties. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by November 12.

California offers extensive voting facilities with numerous polling locations, drop-box sites, early voting venues, and precincts statewide. More information on drop box locations and county elections offices is available online.