California voters can still register and cast a ballot on election day
The online registration deadline passed on October 19, but the same-day registration process remains open at polling places and vote centers.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
The state of California allows residents to register to vote on the day of the election. This option exists because the standard online registration period ended on October 19, but a separate provision permits eligible citizens to cast a ballot even if they missed that cutoff.
To use this process, a person must be a U.S. citizen, a California resident, and at least 18 years old on November 3. They also must not be serving a prison term for a felony or have been deemed mentally incompetent by a court. Eligible individuals can complete this registration at county elections offices, polling places, or vote centers within 14 days of the election.
The application requires a state driver’s license or California identification card number. Alternatively, voters can use the last four numbers of their Social Security card. If a person does not have either document, election officials will assign a unique identifier to validate the registration. The state matches ID numbers with Department of Motor Vehicles records and Social Security numbers with Social Security Administration records.
Voters who register through this method receive a provisional ballot. This ballot is placed in a special envelope before entering the ballot box. Election officials must then confirm that the voter is registered in the correct county and has not already voted in this election. Once those details are verified, the ballot is processed and counted.
New citizens who became U.S. citizens fewer than 15 days before the election can register by visiting a county elections office before polls close. They must bring proof of citizenship and sign a form confirming their eligibility. Voters can also access election materials in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese through specific phone numbers and online tools.
In-person voting centers are currently open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder and county clerk’s office. On election day, all polling locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those who have changed their name, residence address, mailing address, or political party must re-register to ensure their information is accurate.
