Make a Voting Plan
Your voice matters, and your vote is one of the ways to help shape the future of your community. Make a plan to learn what’s on the ballot, vote early, and track your ballot.
Use our checklist to get ready and share it with your friends and family. Together, we can make sure more people have the information and resources they need to participate in our democracy.
KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS
Learn about voting options for upcoming elections here.
Para información sobre sus derechos de voto en español, haga clic aquí.
OUR VOTING RIGHTS MATTER
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest.
The fight for voting rights remains as critical as ever as politicians across the country continue to engage in voter suppression. Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU SoCal is fighting back against attempts to curtail our vital right to vote.
VOTING RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA (FAQ)
- In California, all mail ballots go out 29 days before an election. You can vote in multiple ways and can track your ballot to make sure it’s counted.
- Dropoff. You may drop off your mail ballot as soon as you receive it up until 8 p.m. on Election Day at any ballot drop box or local elections office. Once they are open, you can also drop off your ballot at any polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope. If you return your mail ballot in person, you may be able to return your ballot without the envelope by following poll worker instructions.
- In person. You can vote at a polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. To learn about early voting options and hours, click here.
- By mail. You may return your mail ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Postage is prepaid. If you use this return option, we encourage you to vote early to ensure your ballot is received by elections officials. All ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on Election Day. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope.
What happens if my signature doesn’t match or I forget to sign my mail ballot envelope?
- The county must notify you if your ballot has a missing or mismatched signature and give you an opportunity to correct the issue before the election results are certified.
- Note: If you return your mail ballot in person, you may be able to return your ballot without the envelope by following poll worker instructions.