Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, Nov. 3. What's different this year? (source: KQED and California Secretary of State)
Everyone gets a mail-in ballot
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, if you're registered to vote you'll be receiving a mail-in ballot with which to vote in the November election without requesting it. Remember: It'll be sent to the address at which you're registered to vote, so check that your address is correct here. And if you're not already registered to vote, do that here.
The deadline to register online to vote is Monday, Oct. 19. Do it here.
If you see information online about the deadline to request a mail-in ballot (Oct. 27), don't worry. That deadline is for requesting a new mail-in ballot — say, if you've made an error filling out the one you were already sent.
Everyone should bring their ballot along to vote in person
If you decide you want to vote in person on Election Day itself, you should bring the ballot along with you. What happens if you arrive at the polls without your ballot? You can still vote in person, but you may be required to vote provisionally.
Your ballot is being given more time to get there
In California, your ballot must be mailed and postmarked on Election Day at the latest, but the deadline for mail-in ballots to be received has been extended to Nov. 20 (from Nov. 6) — to allow your ballot extra time to reach your county elections office. You'll also be able to drop off your completed ballot by hand at any drop box, polling location or county elections office.
Voting in person might look different
You can still absolutely vote in person at the polls despite receiving your mail-in ballot (remember: bring it along), but the voting experience and your polling place may be very different because of the pandemic. Counties have been advised to prepare for lines that maintain social distancing and to have face coverings on hand for voters who don't have one.
When should I register to vote?
Your official deadline to register online to vote is Monday, Oct. 19. If you want to mail in your voter registration, your request must be postmarked by the same date as the online registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 19. Remember, if you've changed your name, or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, you'll need to re-register. Not sure if you're already registered to vote or can't remember what party preference you already have? Check all that here.
Can I track my mail-in ballot?
Yes: all registered voters in California can now sign up for a new online tool to track the status of their mail-in ballots for the November general election.
California Secretary of State's Office’s advice to voters is to see Tuesday, Nov. 3 as their last day to vote, rather than the day they should vote.
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