California will hold a statewide special election on November 4, in which voters will decide on Proposition 50, concerning new Congressional district maps. The California Secretary of State’s Office has provided information to help students understand the voting process.
To participate in the election, individuals must be at least 18 years old by Election Day. Those who are 16 or 17 years old and live in California can pre-register so they are ready to vote when they turn 18.
Students have the option to register using either their school address or their home address. Changing registration addresses is permitted before each election, so students are not bound by their choice for future elections.
Registering to vote does not impact federal financial aid, including Pell Grants or federal loans. Out-of-state students attending a University of California campus can register and vote in California without affecting their state residency status for tuition purposes. Voter registration also does not affect parents’ ability to claim dependents on FAFSA forms or tax filings.
The deadline to register online is October 20. However, those who miss this date can still register at county elections offices or use Same Day Registration on Election Day.
Students who register before October 20 will receive a ballot by mail from the Secretary of State’s office. Completed ballots can be returned via U.S. Postal Service, official drop boxes, or polling places before polls close on November 4; postage is prepaid.
Those who wish to vote in person may bring their mail-in ballot to a polling place and exchange it for an in-person ballot.
If a mailed ballot is lost, students can apply for a replacement by mailing an application to their county’s election office or vote provisionally at the polls. Provisional ballots are counted once voter registration and ballot status are confirmed.
Students temporarily living out of state or abroad can request their ballot be sent to their current address by registering online and specifying a mailing address different from their permanent California address. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in California by November 11 to be counted.
Voting online is not permitted; all voters must cast paper ballots, whether by mail, drop box, early voting center, or polling place.
Those not eligible to vote may participate as poll workers if they are registered voters or legal residents eligible to vote if they were citizens. The role includes assisting voters and maintaining election security, with compensation varying by county.
Non-eligible students are encouraged to engage with peers about the importance of voting.
