Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

 

Who may register to vote?

      You may register to vote if you are:

      A US citizen

      A resident of California

      At least 18 years of age on or before the next election

      Not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction

      Not declared mentally incompetent by court action

 

How do I register to vote?

      By filling out a Voter Registration Form available at all Post Offices, city halls, most public libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles and most governmental agencies. You can also click here to download and print a registration form to fill out and mail to this office. The Secretary of State’s website enables you to fill out a  registration form online, it is then mailed to you for your signature and then you just drop it in the mail.

 

When must I reregister to vote?

      When you move, change your name or wish to change your political party affiliation.

 

I just moved into California, when am I able to register to vote?

      There is no waiting period in the state of California before you can register to vote. However, you must be registered 15 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote.

 

Must I register with a specific party?

No. California law states that an individual may choose either to register with a specific political party, register as non-partisan or decline to state.

 

If I didn’t vote in the last election, do I have to reregister?

No. generally, you are registered to vote as long as you live at the same address.

 

How can I find out if I am registered to vote?

You can call the Registrar of Voters office at (714) 567-7600 to see if you are registered.

 

Can I obtain registration information about another individual?

Yes, however the information is restricted access. The Secretary of State has very strict guidelines as to the permissible uses of voter information.

 

Where do I go to vote?

Your polling place location is printed on the back cover of your sample ballot booklet. In addition, you may lookup your polling place on the Registrar of Voters automated telephone system or you may go to that portion of this web site by clicking here.

 

How can I volunteer to work at or provide a polling place?

By calling the Registrar of Voters office Precinct Unit at (714) 567-7600.

 

How do I vote if I can’t get to my polling place?

You can vote by mail by sending the Registrar of Voters office a request for an absentee ballot. You can do this by downloading and printing the Absentee Request form and mailing or faxing to this office.  You can also apply by sending a letter.  The required information includes your name as registered, residence address, mailing address if different, your date of birth, the election which you are applying for and your signature.

 

What do I do if I move before the election?

If you moved within Orange County 14 days or less before the election, you can go to the polling place for your old address, the polling place for your new address or to the Registrar of Voters Office.  If you go to the polling place for your new address, be sure to bring either a California Drivers license, ID Card or two other types of identification that will prove you live at the new address. (See the “Proof of Current Residence” list below.) If you don’t have proof of current residence, you can complete an affirmation form in our office on Election Day.

 

Proof of Current Residence

Proof of current residence shall consist of: a valid California driver’s license or ID card, which includes the voter’s name and current residence address or any two of the following documents, both of which must contain the voter’s name and current address.

·         Utility Bill

·         Property Tax Statement

·         Military Identification

·         College or University Fee Card or Student Identification

·         Lease Agreement

·         Income Tax Statement

·         Vehicle Registration

·         Mortgage Statement

·         Preprinted Check or Bank Deposit Slip

·         Mail Addressed to the Voter at His or Her Current Address

·         Sworn Statement from a Voter in the Precinct

·         Bank Statement

·         Credit Card Statement

 

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is the constitutional system for the election of the President and  Vice President of the United States. It was established in Article II, Section I, of the U.S. Constitution and has been modified mainly by the 12^th Amendment. It is the collective name for a group of electors, nominated by political parties within the states, who meet to vote for these two offices.

 

Where can I get information regarding my elected officials?

You can get information about your elected officials by calling the Registrar of Voters Office at (714) 567-7600 or by clicking here.