California will hold a statewide special election on Tuesday, November 4, where voters will decide on Proposition 50, which concerns the authorization of new Congressional district maps.
The California Secretary of State’s Office has provided guidance for students and new voters about the process. To participate in the election, individuals must be 18 years old by Election Day. Those who are 16 or 17 can pre-register to vote so they are prepared for future elections.
Students have the option to register using either their school or home address. The state allows easy changes to registration addresses before each election, so this choice is not permanent. Registering to vote does not impact federal financial aid or state residency status for tuition purposes. It also does not affect a parent’s ability to claim a student as a dependent on tax forms or FAFSA.
The deadline to register online is October 20. However, California offers Same Day Registration at county elections offices and polling places for those who miss the online deadline.
Registered voters in California will receive a ballot by mail. Ballots can be returned via U.S. Postal Service mailboxes, official ballot drop boxes, or polling places before polls close on November 4. No postage is required for mailed ballots. Voters who prefer to vote in person can exchange their mail-in ballot for a polling place ballot.
If a voter loses their mail-in ballot, they can apply for a replacement by mailing an application to their county election office, or they can cast a provisional ballot at their polling place on Election Day. Provisional ballots are counted after registration and mail-in ballot status are confirmed.
Students registered in California but temporarily living out of state or abroad can have their ballot mailed to their current address by using the online registration form and specifying a mailing address. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in California by November 11 to be counted.
Voting online is not permitted in California or elsewhere in the United States; all ballots must be cast on paper.
Students who are not eligible to vote can still participate by working at polling places. This involves setting up polling stations, assisting voters, and ensuring ballot security. To work at the polls as a University of California student, one must be a registered voter in California or a legal resident eligible to vote if they were a U.S. citizen. The position is paid, with compensation varying by county. Students can also encourage eligible friends to vote.
