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Elections

A Guide to Resources on Elections

Election Information Videos for Residents of Fresno County

Voter's Guides/ Guía del Votante

Voter's Guides

Guía del votante

Voter Registration in California

Eligibility

Deadline

  • Voter registration deadlines are determined by the date of the election.  The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before the date of the election.
  • The last day to register to vote for the November 8, 2022, General Election is October 24, 2022.
  • Voters who miss the deadline may complete the conditional registration process up to Election Day and cast a provisional ballot.
  • Registration Guidelines

Election Calendar

Online registration

To use the online voter registration system you must have a current and valid driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver photo identification card issued by the CA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If the voter does not have a signature on file with DMV, they must print the application, sign the paper copy, and mail it to their county elections official.

Mail-in registration

Paper forms can be found at county elections offices, libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. post offices. Voters can request paper voter registration applications be mailed to them by calling (800) 345-VOTE(8683) or emailing Elections Division staff through the online form.

Refer to the box below for information about ID requirements.

Choosing a political party   

You may choose a political party affiliation when you register, but it is not required.No Party Preference (NPP) voters get a “non-partisan” ballot in presidential primary elections. (See more in “Primaries vs. general elections” box.)     

Updating registration      

To update registration after a move, name change, or change of political party affiliation use My Voter Status

Cancelling registration

County elections offices maintain the voter rolls. To cancel registration, the voter completes the California Voter Registration Cancellation Request Form (PDF) and submits it to their county elections office.

County elections offices

 

ID Requirements for California Voters

ID Requirements for Registration

Online Registration

For online voter registration, a California driver license or state ID, the last four digits of the voter’s social security information, and the voter’s date of birth is required.

Voters who are enrolled in California's confidential address program, Safe At Home, please do not apply to register to vote using the above site. Contact the Safe At Home program toll-free at (877) 322-5227 or by the Safe At Home email form.

Mail-in Registration

To register with a paper voter registration application, voters can pick one up at their county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. post office. It is important that the voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.

To request a paper voter registration application be mailed to you, please call (800) 345-VOTE(8683) or email Elections Division staff through their form.

ID Requirements for Voting

First-Time Voters

In most cases, voters, including first-time voters are not required to show ID, however, it is a good idea for first time voters to bring ID. In particular, “[a] poll worker may ask to see your identification if you mailed your voter registration application and did not include your driver license number, California identification number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.” Acceptable ID includes photo ID such as “passport, driver license, official California identification card, or student identification card” OR “A copy of a recent utility bill, the county Voter Information Guide you received from your county elections office, or another document sent to you by a government agency”

All Other Voters

In most other cases, voters are not required to show ID at the polling place.

More information on ID requirements.

Where to get an ID

Department of Motor Vehicles

If an applicant for a driver’s license or ID card is eligible to vote in California, they will be registered to vote automatically, unless they opt out.

 

Obtaining a Driver’s License