New Residents to California
California has a 15-day deadline to register to vote in any election. There may be different steps you take depending on when you became a new resident of California.
To be eligible to vote in an election, you should submit your Voter Registration form no later than 15-days before the day of the election you wish to participate. You need only to register to vote once, unless you move or change your name.
I Became a New Resident of the State BEFORE California’s 15-Day Deadline to Register
You can register to vote online, by mail, or by submitting a Voter Registration form in person at the Registrar of Voters’ office. The sooner you become registered to vote, the earlier you will receive your voting materials for the next election.
I Just Became a New Resident of the State AFTER California’s 15-Day Deadline to Register
If you want to vote in the current election and you live in Santa Clara County, you must register and vote in person at the Registrar of Voter’s main office on Berger Drive. You must do this no later than seven days BEFORE Election Day. You should NOT visit a Vote Center.
What you will need:
- Complete a Voter Registration form declaring a residence address in Santa Clara County
- Declare that you have not voted, or will you cast a ballot from the state you have just moved from and
- Be prepared to Vote!
Helpful Hint! California’s ballot can be long, with many contests and measures. To be prepared, you can view your State and local County Voter Information Guides on the internet in advance.
Information about registration and voting for New Residents is found in California Elections Code sections 3400 through 3408.
