Voter Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Please go to My Voter Look Up to find out if you are a registered voter. If you do not find your name, please call the Elections Department at (925) 335-7800.
2. How do I register to vote?
To register to vote, you have to fill out a Voter Registration Form. For more information, please click here.
Apply on-line by accessing the Secretary of State On-line application.
3. Who can register to vote?
You can register to vote if:
- You are citizen of the United States, and
- You are at least 18 years old at the time of the election, and
- You are not in prison or parole for the conviction of a felony, and
- You are not deemed mentally incompetent by a court.
4. When is the last day I can register to vote in the election?
The last day to register for any election is 15 days prior to Election Day (Election
Code 2102 & 2107). For more information, click here, to check our Calendar of Events for upcoming elections.
5. When do I have to re-register to vote?
Fill in a new registration form if you have changed your name, residence address (including apartment number,) mailing address, want to change party affiliation, or there has been a significant change in your signature since you last registered.
6. When do I need to show a form of identification?
Section 303 (b) of the Help America Vote Act 2002 (HAVA) sets forth requirements for some voters to provide ID to vote. In general, at the time of registration, if a voter did not provide Driver's License number, State issued Identification Card, or the last four digits of Social Security number, then the voter will need to provide a form of identification on a his or her first Federal Election.
For more information, please go to the Secretary of State FAQ ID requirements. or Secretary of State HAVA Compliance Manual.
7. Did you vote in the last election?
In an effort to keep our voter rolls current, we follow federal and state laws to
remove residents from the rolls. The following is how we determine voter eligibility:
In the past 4 years, if you have NOT:
- Voted in any election;
- Responded to postcards or letters sent by the Department; or
- Have not had any contact with the Department;
Then you may have been placed on the inactive voter roll.
This means that:
- You will not receive a Voter Information pamphlet for future elections, and
- Your name may not be on the Roster of Voters at your polling place, and
- You may be required to show proof of residence before a ballot will be issued to you.
In the past 8 years, if you have NOT:
- Voted in any election;
- Responded to postcards or letters sent by the Department; or
- Have not had any other contact with the Department;
Your voter registration will be canceled and you will need to re-register in order to vote.
Don't let this happen to you. Either vote, respond to one of our mailings, or write and let us know that you want to stay on the voter roll. If you write to us, please include your current residence address, mailing address, your date of birth, your place of birth, and either a phone number or email address where we can contact you.