FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the next election?

It depends on where you live in California. You may have a special election in your county or city. Check your local registrar of voters’ website. The Presidential Primary in California is March 5, 2024.

How can I track my ballot?

In order to track your ballot, you will need to fill out a form with your name, date of birth, and residential zip code. Then, fill out your contact preferences in order to receive updates on your ballot later on. After, you will be able to see your ballot status; whether it has been mailed in, received, and/or been counted in the election. Please note that this form does not change or update your voter registration.

I’m a student at SJSU, but when I’m not in school, I live with my parents in another county. Can I register to vote in Santa Clara County?

Here is important information for college students from the California Secretary of State’s website. “As a Californian living away from home while attending a college, trade school or technical school, you may choose to register to vote using your home away from home address you use while at school or your traditional home address.”

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/students/

Since local elections can have direct consequences for students, we encourage students to register where they live for the greater part of the year. Be certain you update your registration and that you do not vote at both addresses. If you decide to register at your parents’ address, be sure to obtain and complete your mail in ballot with sufficient time to have it postmarked on or before Election Day. Ballots postmarked after Election Day will not be counted.

If I can register at a vote center on Election Day, why should I register to vote early?

Excellent question! California, like several other states, has made same-day registration an option for busy voters.

Registering before the registration deadline means you can vote at your convenience and then drop off your ballot or mail your ballot (postmarked by Election Day).

Registering early and voting early also means you will make it a priority!

Register to vote here.

I live in Santa Clara County, but I moved from one city within the county to another city within the county. Do I need to re-register to vote?

Since you’ve moved within the borders of Santa Clara County, you do not need to re-register to vote. However, you’ll need to fill out a Voter Action Request Form, which you can obtain from the Registrar of Voters’s website, and then use your new address to update your current voter registration.

You can find more information here.

I want to drop off my ballot in person. I don’t want to mail it in. Where can I take it? (Santa Clara County Voters)

You can take your ballot to one of three places.

1) The Registrar of Voters Office. There is a white 24-hour drop box located in the parking lot at 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose.

2) Any Santa Clara County Vote Center.

3) An Official Ballot Drop Box Site​.

Locations for Santa Clara County Vote Centers and Official Ballot Drop Box Sites will be published before the election. Whichever place you choose to drop off you ballot please remember ballots that are returned in-person must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.​ 

If you have a mail ballot from another county and you are not able to drop it off in person, mail in your ballot. It must be postmarked by Election Day and received by your county elections official no later than 7 days after the election.

How can I help with the election?

There are many ways you can help with the election! One way is to work as a poll worker on Election Day. Here you can open and close polling places, protect ballots and voting equipment, and help voters understand their rights. Click here to apply.

Another option is to volunteer with an organization to help register voters. Even making sure your friends and family vote helps with the election!

I’m 17, can I register to vote?

You can pre-register to vote if you are:

  • At least 16 years old

  • A US Citizen

  • A California resident

  • Not currently imprisoned for a felony 

  • Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court 

Your voter registration will become active when you turn 18.

Preregister to vote here.