Student votes matter
In the 2020 general election, 51.4% of voters between the ages of 18-24 voted, according to the Census Bureau. There was a huge increase in voter turnout for that age group, but still the lowest turnout rate of any age group, especially compared to 76.4% voting turnout of 65-74 age group.
In other words, young people's perspectives and voices (your perspectives and voices) are disproportionately missing from important conversations and policy-making decisions.
The 2024 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Important election-related dates:
- Oct. 7: County election offices will begin mailing out ballots to registered voters by Oct. 7. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at drop-off locations or at your county's election office.
- Oct. 8: Ballot drop-off locations will open across the state.
- Oct. 21: This is the last day to register to vote for the 2024 General Election.
- Oct. 22: If you missed the registration deadline, you can still complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process at early voting locations or on Election Day.
- Oct. 26: Early in-person voting is available for Californians living in Voter's Choice Act (VCA) counties.
- Nov. 5: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Nov. 12: Vote-by-mail ballots need to be received by this day to count. They must be postmarked on or before Nov. 5.
- Dec. 5: This is the last day for county elections officials to certify election results. A complete copy of general election returns is due on Dec. 6.
For more information about the elections, and to find your polling location, visit the California Secretary of State's Elections and Voter Information page.
Register online
You can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov.
Register by mail
If you would like to use a paper voter registration process, you can pick up an application at your county election office, library, DMV office or U.S. post office. But make sure that it is filled out and postmarked or hand-delivered to your county election office at least 15 days before the election. Learn more here.
If you missed the Feb. 20 voter registration deadline, you can still "conditionally" register and vote at your county elections office, polling place or vote center in the 14 days leading up to the election. These ballots are processed and counted after your voter registration is verified. Learn more.
You should re-register to vote when you change your residence address or mailing address, if you change your name or if you change your political party choice.
