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AP20:018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2020
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575
Midnight “Traditional” Deadline to Register to Vote for March 3 Presidential Primary Election
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, February 18, is the “traditional” deadline for Californians to register to vote or update their voter registration information for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters who miss this deadline will still have the option of using the ‘Same Day’ voter registration process at their local county elections office, polling place, or vote center and be able to cast their ballot.
“To ensure an easier, smoother voting experience, I urge eligible Californians to register to vote or update their voter registration by midnight tonight," Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “If you have moved or changed your name, you need to re-register with your updated information. Online voter registration is quick and easy at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. The voter registration website is mobile friendly, so you can even register from your smartphone or tablet.”
“If you are unsure of your voter registration status, you can verify it at VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov. With the California Presidential Primary quickly approaching, election excitement is building across California—you won’t want to miss out.”
Californians can register to vote, or update their registration information on the Secretary of State’s official voter registration website: RegisterToVote.ca.gov. Online voter registration is available in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese.
Paper voter registration cards are available at most government offices, including libraries and post offices. Paper voter registration cards must be postmarked on or before the February 18 deadline.
Californians need to update their voter registration if they have:
- Moved permanent addresses
- Changed their legal name
- Want to update their political party preference
‘Same Day’ Voter Registration Process after February 18
Eligible citizens who miss the “traditional” February 18 deadline have the option to complete the ‘Same Day’ voter registration process at their local county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Voters will be asked to fill out a voter registration form and be provided a ballot. Their ballots will be counted once the county office has completed the voter registration verification process. Voters can complete the ‘Same Day’ voter registration process from February 18, all the way through Election Day on March 3.
* With the signing of SB 207 by Governor Newsom on February 13, 2020 voters who want to update their political party preference or their address (if they are moving within the same county) do not have to complete an entire voter registration affidavit during the ‘Same Day’ voter registration process. Voters making these simple changes will be able to make a written request using a simplified form.
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