Need to register to vote in California primary election? Follow these rules
Get ready, California voters.
The 2026 primary election is nearing.
On Tuesday, June 2, voters will cast ballots for open seats in federal races and key statewide offices including California governor.
County elections offices will begin mailing ballots on Monday, May 4. You can also vote early in person or pick up a ballot at an Early Voting site.
Here’s what to know about registering to vote:
Who is eligible to vote in California?
According to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights, you’re eligible to vote in California if:
- You are a U.S. citizen residing in California.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You’re registered to vote where you currently reside.
- You are not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony.
- A court has not found you incompetent to vote.
Am I already registered to vote in California?
You can check your voter registration status in California by visiting the Secretary of State website.
To look it up, you’ll need your full name, date of birth and either your California driver’s license or ID number — or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you don’t have that information, you can contact your county elections office or call the Secretary of State at 800-345-8683.
You may need to re-register if you’ve changed your name or moved and didn’t update your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Postal Service.
How do I register to vote?
You can register online to vote through the Secretary of State’s website.
Voter registration forms are also available at county elections offices.
Once submitted, you’ll be notified when your registration is approved — or if more information is needed.
When is the last day to register to vote?
The last day to register to vote in the primary election is Monday, May 18.
What if I miss the voter registration deadline?
California offers same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration, as a way to help ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast a vote on Election Day — even if they missed the deadline.
On Election Day, you can register to vote at your county elections office, any polling place or a vote center.
Be sure to arrive before polls close at 8 p.m.
As long as you’re in line by the 8 p.m. deadline, you’ll still be able to vote.
You can look up your closest polling place online.
What do I need to bring with me for same-day voter registration?
Since you will be registering to vote, you will need a form of identification.
Acceptable forms of ID to bring to your polling place include:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Official state identification card
- Student identification card showing your name and photograph
- Last four digits of your social security number
Your ballot will be “processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process,” the California Secretary of State said.
Have a question about the 2026 primary election?
You can ask the California service journalism team by submitting questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below.
This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Need to register to vote in California primary election? Follow these rules."
