Every couple of years, we hear that this is the most important election of our lifetimes. And, in a sense, that is true as each election is about our future. However, with the Trumpist menace attempting to silence voters through anticipated intimidation tactics and gerrymandering, this really could be the election that decides if we ever have a free and fair election again. If Trump is empowered by a Congress for which falling in line is more important than standing up for those who elected them, we are likely to see even greater voter suppression efforts going forward. (Trump said so in so many words at the mini-convention in Texas last week.)
Save the date for Tuesday, October 6, when the Western States Caucus of the DNC will host a webinar on how you can engage in voter protection efforts this year. Be on the lookout for more information soon.
1. We need to oust David Valadeo from Congress and elect Randy Villegas instead. So, we're launching a vitally important grassroots mobilization to CA CD-22 on October 10 & 11 in Bakersfield.
This mobilization is in conjunction with the statewide mobilization by the California Democratic Party and we are offering those who need it assistance with the cost, and -- if there is enough interest -- transportation for those who need it. This is a Prop. 50 District, which means that you've likely already worked your tail off helping make this a district we can turn blue. Now you have the chance to finish the job by helping elect Democrat Randy Villegas to Congress. We will have a room block and if you sign up, you can get more details. Assuming we get a critical mass of interested folks, we will likely have a self-paid dinner on Saturday night, as well.
Here's the room block reservation link for Bakersfield Doubletree by Hilton:
2. We need to elect Marni Von Wilpert to Congress. She will be a strong voice for Democratic values from an area that Trumpists have dominated for too long. So, we are launching a grassroots mobilization to CA CD-48 on October 17 & 18 in Escondido.
This mobilization is in conjunction with the Democratic Party HQ in Escondido. We are offering car pool assistance and, if there is sufficient interest, may be able to help with a bit of financial assistance to those who are staying overnight and need it. This is ALSO a Prop. 50 District, and volunteering here means that you can help turn Congress blue by helping to elect Marni Von Wilpert to Congress. We will have a room block and if you sign up, you can get more details. Assuming we get a critical mass of interested folks, we will likely have a self-paid dinner on this Saturday night, as well.
There's no link, but you can call the Best Western Escondido Hotel at (760) 740-1700 to make reservations; the group name is Westside Dem HQ.
We hope you can join us in turning these Prop. 50 districts blue.
To begin, check the requirements to vote to find out if you may register to vote in California.
Californians must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. For this date and other important election deadlines, go to Election Dates and Resources. If the registration deadline has passed for an upcoming election, in most elections you may visit your county elections office, a vote center, or a satellite office designated by your county elections official during the 14 days prior to, and including Election Day to conditionally register to vote and vote a provisional ballot. This process is called Same Day Voter Registration.
Once you register, you may vote in all state and local elections. You will not need to register to vote again unless you change your name or change your political party preference. If you move, you can update your California residence address by re-registering online or by submitting a paper voter registration application.
You can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official, informing them of your move and providing them with your date of birth and current address, even if it is in a different county. However, if you have already updated your residence address at the Department of Motor Vehicles or the U.S. Postal Service, your registration will be automatically updated with your new address.
Qualifications to Register to Vote
To register to vote in California, you must be:
A United States citizen and a resident of California (for information on voters in the military or overseas, please see Military and Overseas Voters),
Register to vote using a paper voter registration application.
To Obtain a Paper Voter Registration Application
If you would like to register using a paper voter registration application, you can pick one up at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. post office. It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election.
To request a paper voter registration application be mailed to you, please call (800) 345-VOTE(8683) or email Elections Division staff.
How will I identify myself when registering to vote?
The voter registration application asks for your driver license or California identification card number, or you can use the last four numbers on your Social Security card. If you do not have a driver license, California identification card or Social Security card, you may leave that space blank. Your county elections official will assign a number to you that will be used to identify you as a voter.
New Citizens
If you will become a U.S. citizen less than 15 days before the next election, you may still be able to register and vote. To do this, you must visit your county elections office any time before the polls close on Election Day. You must bring proof that you are a U.S. citizen and sign a form saying you are eligible to vote in California. or more information, please refer to A New Citizen’s Guide to Voting (PDF). Contact your county elections office for more information
Same Day Voter Registration (Conditional Voter Registration)
In elections conducted by your county elections official, you can “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day voter registration deadline. For more information please go to Same Day Voter Registration.
College Students and Voters Living Abroad
If you are a Californian living away from home while attending a college, trade school or technical school, or a voter living temporarily outside the United States, please see College Students and Voters Living Abroad.
You change your residence address or mailing address,
You change your name, or
You change your political party choice.
As a California voter, be aware that local elections in some areas are held on dates that do not coincide with statewide election dates. The 15-day close of registration deadline for these local elections varies depending on the actual date of the election. If you need to know a deadline for a local election, contact your county elections office or visit County Administered Elections.
How to Cancel My Registration
If you are currently registered to vote in California and would like to cancel your voter registration, you can complete the California Voter Registration Cancellation Request Form (PDF) and submit it to your county elections office. If you have any questions, you can contact your county elections office or the Secretary of State's Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).