New to voting in CA?

Start your registration here

Start here with some basic information. You’ll be directed to your state’s election website to complete your registration.

Then read up on next steps for casting your ballot and decide which candidates and causes you support!

How to register

1. Make sure you’re eligible

In general, you need to be 18 years old by Election Day and a U.S. citizen (in addition to some other requirements.)

Need to check if you qualify? See who can vote in California.

2. Decide where to register — at home or school

If you are living away from home while at college, you are eligible to vote in either location. Which you choose is up to you — just make sure it’s somewhere you can get to on Election Day if you’re voting in person, or receive a ballot if you’re voting by mail.

Already registered? Check that your address is current and re-register if your address has changed.

3. Pick a political party ... or choose not to

About a third of California voters register as “No Party Preference,” meaning that they are not affiliated with any particular political party. For the upcoming general election on November 5, your party preference makes no difference for your ballot. (For some elections, like the primaries that took place back in March, your party preference dictates which candidates appear on your ballot.)

4. Register as soon as possible!

October 21 is the deadline to register online to vote in the 2024 presidential election. After that, California voters can register in-person at their county elections offices or at the polls on Election Day. Learn more about same day voter registration.

Why we vote

What’s motivating you this election season? Help other members of the UC community get inspired: Share why voting matters to you. (Plus, we'll keep you posted with email updates ahead of key voting deadlines and need-to-know election info.)

Voting FAQ

Does registering to vote affect financial aid or tuition? If I'm studying abroad this fall, can I still vote? What happens if I lose my mail-in ballot? We have answers to some of the most common questions college students ask about voting.

Get the info you need