This year’s election probably feels very different from all the previous ones. On one hand, there probably seems to be a lot more on the line in regards to the outcome. On the other, there is an ongoing pandemic. 2020 is not exactly going great, huh? Well, since you probably want to vote by mail to avoid in-person contact at the polls. This is convenient, but it also means that election day is going to be a lot earlier than the “official” date of November 3rd. This also means that you need to make sure that you are registered to vote and that you are set to receive a mail-in ballot. Here’s a quick guide on California voter registration so that you can keep it in mind and make sure that you are set to vote.
California Voter Registration
First, here are some important California voter registration dates that you need to keep in mind.
Registration deadlines:
- Online – October 19
- By mail – Postmarked by October 19
- In-person – November 3 (yes, you can register to vote on Election Day)
Absentee ballot deadlines:
- Request: Oct. 27
- Return by mail: Postmarked by Nov. 3
- Return in person: Nov. 3 by 8:00 p.m.
Early voting:
- Oct. 5 – Nov. 2, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live
If you need to make sure that you are registered to vote, you can check right here. In case you aren’t, you can register to vote online right now.
Voter Resources
This election is going to be a weird one. Between outspoken attempts at undermining the results and difficult voting conditions, it makes sense that you might feel a bit lost. For your convenience, city council candidate Nithya Raman has set up a guide for voter resources. Remember that the presidential election is not the only one going on. Always vote down the ballot for your local elections. Additionally, should you vote in-person, be sure to isolate for a few days afterward and get tested for COVID just in case.
