Sign up to vote...

To sign up to vote, you have to be:

  • 18 years or older
  • a U.S. citizen
  • not in prison or on parole for a felony

To get a voter registration form:

  • Call 1-800-345-8683 to have a form sent to you.
  • Pick one up on campus at Student Special Services 125 Costo Hall or off-campus at the library, post office, DMV, or other public place.
  • Visit www.ss.ca.gov

It's FREE! Fill out the form completely and include the requested identification number. Then, mail it in. You don't even need a stamp. You will get a postcard in the mail that tells you that you are registered.


When should I sign up?

  • Sign up (register) at least 15 days before an election.
  • Be sure to register again if you move, change your name, or want to change your political party.

Do I have to join a political party?

  • When you sign up to vote, you will be asked if you want to join a political party.
  • A political party is a group of people who share the same ideas about what government should do. There are seven parties in California.
  • You can register with a party or you can choose "Decline to State" (sometimes called Independent") and not be a member of a political party.


Primary Elections: Voters select candidates from their party for different elected offices.

General Elections: Winners from the primary run against each other to see who will be elected. Voters can choose candidates from any party.