Who can vote by mail

Any voter registered in California can vote by mail

1. Get your ballot application

You can use the application printed in the sample ballot booklet that is automatically mailed to you by your county elections official; or download and print the California ballot application

Get the form

2. Fill out the form

Step 1 · To vote by mail in the general election on Nov 8, enter “11/08/2016” for the date and “General” for the type of election

Step 2 · Provide your name

Step 3 · Provide your birthday

3. Send the application

The signed and completed application must be received by your county elections office no later than Nov 1

4. Vote

  • Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions to fill out the ballot and all required information on the return envelope
  • Include a copy of an accepted form of ID, if required
  • Mail your voted vote-by-mail ballot to your county elections office. Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day, Nov 8.
  • Check the status of your ballot through your county on sos.ca.gov

ID requirements

If you're not voting for the first time in California, you don't need to show ID

If you’re a first-time voter, registered by mail, and didn’t include your driver’s license number, California ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on your registration, you need to include a copy of accepted ID with your mail-in ballot and you may be asked to provide ID if you vote in person

Acceptable forms of ID include a current and valid photo ID that includes your name and photograph. Examples:

  • Driver's license or ID card of any state
  • Passport
  • Employee ID card