How to Change Your Voting Address in California

Make sure you're registered to vote.

When election time rolls around in California, you may be thinking about what your registration status is, especially if you've recently moved. If you've moved to a different permanent address, you have to re-register to vote. If you've moved to a temporary address, you can use your permanent address as your voting address. There are also different steps if you've moved within the same county or to a different county.

Instructions

In the Same County by Mail

1. Request a registration form. You can find one at your local library, post office and your county elections office.

2. You may also call your county's Registrar of Voters phone number and request one.

3. Fill out the voter information and mail it in.

In the Same County Online

1. Go this website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/.

2. Click on Voter Registration.

3. Scroll down and click on Fill Out A Voter Registration Form Now. It's below the headline How You Can Register To Vote.

4. You have the option of printing a blank form or typing in your information online before printing it. Pick your option.

5. Fill out the necessary information, including your signature.

6. Mail it in to the designated address.

From One County to Another

1. You need to request a form from your previous county to un-register or cancel your registration in the county you're moving from. Do this by calling your previous county's Registrar of Voters by phone.

2. Once they mail you the form, fill it out and send it back to the designated address.

3. Request a registration form for the county where you've moved or fill one out online and mail it in. Refer to Sections 1 and 2 for directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Send in your registration before the 15-day deadline.

• You must have your registration postmarked 15 days prior to the election.

• If you call for help, be sure to do so well before the election. The closer election time gets, the harder it is to reach the Registrar of Voters.

References

• California Secretary of State: Homepage

Resources

• USA.gov: Homepage