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Where and when to return your ballot in California

Where and when to return your ballot in California
Posted on | Posted on angela

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More than 8 million ballots had been cast in California as of Monday, just one day before Election Day, the last chance for Californians to vote for the next president and for congressional and local elections. Those planning to vote on November 5th must ensure they cast their ballots or show up before the polls close.

Here's what you need to know as the final day for voting approaches.

When do polls open in California?

In California, polls open at 7 a.m.

When do polls close in California?

In California, polls close at 8 p.m. If you stand in line to cast your vote by 8:00 p.m., know that you are allowed to do so within your voting rights.

More: When do the polls close, California time? An hour-by-hour guide plus key Senate and House races

How do I know if I am registered to vote?

The California Voter Bill of Rights includes the right to vote if you are registered to vote in California. According to the California Secretary of State, you are eligible to vote if:

  • You are a US citizen and live in California
  • At least 18 years old
  • Registered at your current place of residence
  • Is not currently serving a state or federal prison sentence for a felony
  • There is currently no court finding that he is mentally unfit to vote

So how do you know you are registered to vote? You can check at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. One indicator that you are registered to vote is the fact that all active, registered voters in California were sent a mail-in ballot in October. However, if you are not registered to vote, you can still vote in California using the same-day voter registration process, which allows people to cast their provisional vote at their county election office, polling place or voting center.

For a list of same-day voter registration locations near you, visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Can I submit my mail-in ballot on Election Day?

According to the Secretary of State's Office, you can drop off your mail-in ballot on Election Day at any polling place in California and at any drop-off location or ballot drop box in the state. You can also drop it off at your district returning officer's office. Your ballot must be received before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. For information about polling places in California, visit sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.

More: When will the 2024 election results be announced? This is how California counts its votes

When is the last day to mail in my ballot?

If you are returning your ballot by mail, you must ensure that your ballot is postmarked no later than Election Day, November 5th. These ballots must be received by your county elections office by November 12th.

Paris Barraza is a featured reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

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