Last day to register to vote in California elections: Here's what to know

Who will be the next governor of California? Will a new tax on billionaires be imposed?

California voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to decide on these and other important issues. With just over two weeks left until the election, the deadline to register to vote online or by mail is this Monday, October 19th.

If you are unsure of your voter registration status or need to look up other election-related information—such as your polling place—you can do so via the California Secretary of State’s website.

If you are registering to vote for the first time, here is what you need to know ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Who is eligible to register to vote in California?

To register to vote in California, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen and a resident of California.
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day.
• Not be currently serving a sentence in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction.
• Not have been found mentally incompetent to vote by a court of law.

California also allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote. Their registration becomes active automatically when they turn 18.

Where can I register to vote, and do I need identification?

You can register to vote online through the voter registration website.

The deadline to register online is this Monday, October 19th, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

To complete the online application, you will need your date of birth, your California driver’s license or identification card number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a driver’s license, state ID, or Social Security number, you may still be eligible to register.

Generally, California does not require voters to present identification at the polls. However, some first-time voters in federal elections may be required to show ID if they registered by mail or online without providing identification information.

What happens if I don’t register before the deadline?

Missing the October 19 deadline does not necessarily mean you cannot vote in November.

California allows eligible residents to register conditionally and cast their ballot after the standard registration deadline, up to and including Election Day.

Starting October 20, those who have not yet registered can complete the conditional registration process in person at their county elections office or at an authorized vote center.

Voters can contact their county elections office to find a location that offers conditional registration.