This guide is intended to help you find information about voting in the November 5, 2024 general election in California. The information presented here is geared to newer voters, such as college students, to make the most critical information easier to locate.
The California Secretary of State and the San Diego Registrar of Voters websites offer more comprehensive coverage specific to California voting and elections, while vote.gov offers a national perspective with links to state & local resources.
Step 1) Confirm you are registered to vote; register if necessary.
Step 2) Review ballot information - candidate positions, state/local propositions - and decide on your choices.
Step 3) Complete the ballot you received in the mail and return it in the mail or to a drop box. Or, take it with you if voting in person.
Step 4) After voting, track your ballot to verify it has been counted.
See the full Key Dates and Deadlines page from the California Secretary of State
| September 26 - October 15 | voter information guides will be mailed |
| October 7 | mailing of ballots to all California active registered voters will have begun, and early voting sites will open |
| October 8 - November 5 | ballot drop-off locations will open in all counties |
| October 21 | last day to register to vote |
| October 22 - November 5 | same day registration opens; voters can "conditionally" register and vote a provisional ballot |
| November 5 | Election Day, with polls open from 7:00am to 8:00pm |
| November 12 | vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12 |
