California Election Law

Related Information

Voter Registration

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
MethodIn person, mail, online.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
DeadlineElection DayNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
AutomaticYes; during DMV transactions.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Same DayYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Absentee Ballot Application

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
ExcuseNo excuse required.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
AutomaticYesMail-in ballots sent to all registered voters in the general election.AB37

PASSED and SIGNED BY GOVERNOR


Sec. 1, 3
Establishes permanent universal mailed ballots for all registered voters in CA.
Deadline7 days before Election Day.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Valid for X# of Cycles1No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Absentee Ballot Return (other than by mail)

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Voter IDNot requiredNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
In PersonYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Drop BoxYes No ChangesAB37

PASSED and SIGNED BY GOVERNOR


Sec. 6
Requires mail ballot drop-off locations for every 30,000 voters in a county to be available for at least 28 days before Election Day.
Return Deadline8PM on Election DayNo ChangesAB37

PASSED and SIGNED BY GOVERNOR


Sec. 5
Ballots postmarked on or before election day may be delivered by a mail delivery company may be received up to seven days after Election Day.

Ballot Harvesting

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
ProhibitedNoNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Limited 3rd PartyVoter may designate an agent to deliver their ballot.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Paid Political OperativesNo; agents cannot be compensated.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Early Voting

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
By MailYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
In PersonYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Voter Identification - Absentee Ballot

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Signature VerificationYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Witness StatementNot requiredNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Other---
Cure ProcessYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Voter Identification - In Person

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Photo IDNot requiredNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Other OptionsFirst-time voters whose registration did not include an ID number may present a recent utility bill, document from a government agency, or a photo ID.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Provisional BallotsUsed for voters whose names are not on the registration list, or voters who requested to vote by mail but later choose to vote at a polling place.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Voting Day

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Hours7AM-8PMNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Wait TimeNo LegislationNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
ElectioneeringProhibited within 100 feet of polling placesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Other---

Voter Rolls

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Update FrequencyUpdated continuouslyNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Voter RemovalDeath, mental incompetence, registration in a different state, incarceration for a felony, request by voter, or inactivity through 2 federal general elections.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity