How to Vote by Mail for a Primary Election in California

Voting by mail is made easy for Californians.

If you are registered to vote in California, requesting a vote-by-mail ballot for a primary or general election is easy. The process is the same for both.
Vote-by-mail ballots are designed to improve voter turnout by making it more convenient and conducive for Californians with busy lifestyles to vote.
There are essentially two ways to request a vote-by-mail ballot. You can request a vote-by-mail ballot for a specific primary or general election, or you can designate vote-by-mail as your method for voting in all elections, and a ballot is automatically sent.

Instructions

Vote-by-Mail

1. Obtain a vote-by-mail application. You can use the application sent with a sample ballot prior to Election Day or a copy of the application can also be found online.
   If you are without a printer and do not want to wait to receive your sample ballot, you can request a copy from your county election official.A list of county election offices also is available online.

2. Fill out application. Provide the address on your voter registration card as well as a current address for where to send the vote-by-mail ballot. Indicate the election date for which you are requesting a ballot or indicate that you opt for permanent vote-by-mail. Sign and date the application and then return it by mail to your county election official. The ballot is sent upon receipt of the completed application form.

3. Complete vote-by-mail ballot and seal in its envelope. Confirm all of the information is filled in on the envelope. Mail the envelope back to your county election official, ensuring it arrives before Election Day, or bring it to your polling location on the day of the election. You can also designate someone--either a relative or a person living in your household--to return the ballot, if you are unable.

4. The envelope is opened, and your ballot is counted after the county official verifies the signature on the ballot with the signature on file.

Tips & Warnings

• Completed vote-by-mail applications must be received no less than seven days prior to Election Day, or you are required to complete the form in person at your county election office.

• You must vote in two consecutive statewide elections to maintain a permanent vote-by-mail status.

References

• California Secretary of State: Vote by Mail
• California Secretary of State: Vote-by-Mail Ballot Application
• California Secretary of State: County Elections Offices