California (CA)

Eligibility

Age: 18 (may pre-register at 16)

ID Requirements

To Register: CA driver's license or state ID number, or last 4 of SSN. If neither, leave blank and the county assigns a unique number. First-time mail registrants without a verifiable number must show ID when voting (utility bill, bank statement, government document, student ID, or passport accepted).

To Vote: First-time voters who registered by mail without ID may need to show ID

Registration Methods

• Online: Residents can submit a voter registration application electronically through the state's website, rather than by mail or in person.
• Mail: Residents can register to vote by completing a paper registration form and submitting it by mail to the appropriate election office.
• In Person: Residents can register to vote by visiting a designated government office, such as a county clerk's office or DMV, and completing a registration form on site.

Early Voting ⓘ

A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person at designated polling locations. The length of the early voting period varies by state.

Vote centers open up to 29 days before election day, depending on county.

Mail-In / Absentee Voting ⓘ

A voting method where ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters without requiring a specific request. States that use this approach conduct elections primarily or entirely by mail.

All registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot. No excuse required.

Felony Voting Rules ⓘ

State laws governing whether and when people with felony convictions can vote. Policies range from no restrictions to permanent disenfranchisement, with most states restoring rights at some point after sentencing.

Rights restored upon completion of prison term. People on probation or parole may vote.

Documentation Needed

• Driver's license or state ID number
• Last 4 of SSN if no DL

Additional Notes

California automatically registers eligible citizens through the DMV (motor voter).

Sources

• California Official Election Website
• Vote.org - California