Election Guide 2020 - Banner

Key Dates and Deadlines

Monday, Oct. 19: Voter Registration Deadline
Saturday, Oct. 31: In-Person Voting Begins
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Absentee/Mail-In Postmark by Date
Friday, Nov. 20: Absentee/Mail-In Delivered by Date

Register to Vote

Monday, Oct. 19: Voter Registration Deadline
Register to vote or check your registration status.

Absentee/Mail-In Voting

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Absentee/Mail-In Postmark by Date
Friday, Nov. 20: Absentee/Mail-In Delivered by Date

All registered voters in California will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot for the November 3 General Election. Registered voters do not have to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot for this election.

Once you have received your ballot and filled it out, you can mail it back, drop it into a county ballot dropbox, or deliver it in person to your local county elections officials.

In-Person Voting

Voters will be able to vote in-person at a polling place or voter service center from October 31 through November 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can register to vote?
To register to vote in California, you must be:

  • A United States citizen and a resident of California
  • 18-years-old or older on Election Day
  • Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
  • Not prohibited from voting by a court because of mental incompetency

How do I register to vote?
To register to vote you must complete a voter registration application on paper or online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov.

If I have problems registering to vote or have additional questions who should I contact?
Call the Secretary of State's toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or contact your county elections office.

What hours are polling place locations open?
All polling place locations are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Is there a toll-free telephone number I can call regarding voter information?
Yes. The Secretary of State has established a toll-free Voter Hotline for requests for voter registration forms and other election materials and to report suspicions of voting or registration irregularities. The number is (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For the answers to more Frequently Asked Questions, visit the California Secretary of State's website.