Did you hear? Election season is here! Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5, and in California, you can vote early! All registered voters receive a ballot in the mail and can return it by mail (no postage needed) or drop it off at a drop box or polling center now through Election Day. Ballots are arriving in your mailbox this week!
Voting and getting involved in elections are one of the best ways you can advocate for what you believe in and stand up for yourself, your family, and the issues you care about.
Voters will elect or re-elect leaders at the local, state, and federal levels, and vote on state and local ballot measures.
Are you ready? Check out the information below!
Make a vote plan!
How do you plan to vote? You can vote by mail or in-person at a polling place.
- If you’re a US Citizen and turn 18 before November 5, you can register online TODAY! It’s easy. You can register in under 2 minutes here!
- If you vote by mail, remember to mail your ballot by Election Day so it gets counted or drop it off at a polling site or election drop box. Find your local polling place here. Sign up for text updates to track your ballot here!
- If you are under 18, you can pre-register to vote online and encourage your family and friends to vote!
- You can view the list of California voting deadlines and check your voter registration status at TeenSource Action.
Research, research, research!
This is the time to use your voice and choose candidates and support issues that represent your values and views on sexual and reproductive health care, climate, education, and other topics that matter to you!
What’s on the ballot?
- President: The president is the most powerful political leader in the U.S., with the ability to sign federal legislation into law, command the armed forces, and appoint Supreme Court Justices and the heads of federal agencies.
- Congress: California has a U.S. Senate seat as well as several competitive congressional seats being voted on this year. No matter where you live, you have the chance to vote for a person to represent you in the Senate and House in Washington D.C. Members of Congress vote on national issues. Research the candidates and vote for the Senate and House candidates you believe will support the issues that you care about.
- State Elections: All state Assembly seats and half of the state Senate seats will be voted on this year, so you have the opportunity to elect people to represent you in the state Legislature in Sacramento. Remember that state legislators pass important state policies around sexual and reproductive health, LGBTQ+ rights, and other issues you care about.
- Local races: Some of you may also be voting for Mayor, City Council members, County Supervisors and school boards. These officials often have the greatest impact on your daily life because they handle issues like public safety, community businesses, public utilities, education and public spaces like parks and libraries.
- Ballot Measures: Ballot measures are proposed laws or changes to existing laws that voters can approve or reject during an election. They allow citizens to directly participate in important decisions affecting their state or local community.
- California’s ballot includes important measures like amending the state constitution to recognize the fundamental right to marry regardless of sex or race and providing permanent funding for the Medi-Cal program. Find more information on all the California ballot propositions here.
Now that you’re prepared, don’t forget to spread the word about what is important to you this election with family and friends. Let’s get out the vote!