California State Primary Election Information

Video: Guide For New Voter

If you're getting ready to vote for the first time, this short video can help. It goes over the basic requirements for voting in the U.S., and explains why it's important to know your state's specific rules for voting.

IMPORTANT DATES:

October 23, 2024: Last day to register to vote for the November 7, 2024 General Election

November 7, 2024: State General Election day. Last day to return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail with prepaid postage postmarked on or before this date. You can also vote in-person by returning your ballot to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on November 7, 2024.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

To register to vote in California, you must be:

• A United States citizen and a resident of California;

• 18 years old or older on Election Day;

• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony; and

• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

If you are eligible, you can register to vote or update your registration online at https://castudentvote.org/. If you would like to fill out a physical form, voter registration applications can be found at post offices and libraries. You must re-register to vote if you move, change your name, or change your political party preference.

WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?

Your primary Election ballot will include candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Member of State Board of Equalization, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, U.S. Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Assembly Member, as well as other local candidates.

Finding voting information and fact checking

Ballotready.org allows you to type in your address and see who your candidate is and what referendum are going to be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia.org allows you to enter their address to get information on ballot measures, candidates, information about candidates, polling locations, and hours for your location and more. Ballotpedia.org also has information about different political parties. Click here to learn more about different political parties.
CSUN Finding Newspaper LibGuide
CSUN Fact Check News LibGuide

Finding campaign finance information

Federal Election Commission
The Federal Election Commission provides campaign finance data for Senate, House of Representatives, and Presidential candidates. This includes the total amount of money raised and spent by the candidate in each election cycle.
Follow the Money
Follow the Money is a database created by the National Institute on Money in Politics, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that "[compiles] comprehensive campaign-donor, lobbyist, and other information from government disclosure agencies nationwide and [makes] it freely available."

HOW DO I FIND MY POLLING PLACE OR CENTER?

• Check the back of your county Voter Information Guide for your polling place, vote centers, or ballot drop-off locations

• Contact your county elections office

• Call the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline - 1-800-345- VOTE (8683) or visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov

• Text ‘VOTE’ to ‘GOVOTE’ (468-683)

HOW CAN I GET UP-TO-THE-MINUTE ELECTION UPDATES?

• Statewide election vote counts can be found at electionresults.sos.ca.gov

• Follow Twitter @CASOSvote

• Sign up for E-updates at https://goo.gl/BB7zb4

CAN I SIGN UP TO BE A POLL WORKER?

A poll worker sets up and closes a voting location, assists voters at the polls, helps voters understand their rights, and ensures a smooth and accessible Election Day experience. If you speak another language, you may also help provide language access and assistance to voters so everyone can participate. By becoming a poll worker, you are supporting your democracy as an active member of your community and can get paid for your assistance!

Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years of age;

• *A resident of California; and *U.S. citizens and legal residents are eligible to be poll workers

• Attend trainings.

For more information and to sign up: https://pollworker.sos.ca.gov/s/

Additional Resources:

Find in-depth information about what's on your ballot.

Find Your California Representative

Find Additional Polling Places

Fact Sheets:

Quick Facts for the 2022 Primary Election in Different Languages

Vote Safe With Your Voter-By-Mail Ballot (PDF)