Nov. 4: California’s Not-So-Simple Election Process
Early Voting Begins in California
California’s election process is set to begin with early voting starting on October 10th, 2022. This year’s election will feature a number of important races, including the governor’s race, the U.S. Senate race, and several ballot measures. Voters will also have the opportunity to vote on a number of local races, including for mayor, city council, and school board.
It’s important for voters to research the candidates and ballot measures before they cast their ballots. Voters can find information about the candidates and ballot measures at the California Secretary of State’s website.
Same-Day Voter Registration Available
California has same-day voter registration, which means that voters can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day. Voters will need to bring a form of identification with them when they register to vote. California voters are also able to register to vote online, by mail, or at their local county elections office.
The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is October 24th, 2022. The deadline to register to vote in person at your local county elections office is November 4th, 2022.
What to Bring to the Polls
When you go to vote, you will need to bring a form of identification with you. The following forms of identification are acceptable:
- Driver's license
- California ID card
- Passport
- Military ID card
- Student ID card
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck stub
If you do not have a form of identification with you, you can still vote, but you will need to cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is a ballot that is counted after your identity has been verified.
How to Vote
When you arrive at the polls, you will be asked to sign in. Once you have signed in, you will be given a ballot. You can then take the ballot to a voting booth and cast your vote.
To cast your vote, simply fill in the ovals next to the candidates or ballot measures that you want to vote for. Once you have filled in the ovals, you will need to insert the ballot into the voting machine.
After you have inserted the ballot into the voting machine, the machine will print out a confirmation slip. You should take the confirmation slip with you as proof that you voted.
Election Results
The results of the election will be announced on November 8th, 2022. You can find the results of the election on the California Secretary of State’s website.
