California will hold a statewide special election on November 4, during which voters will decide on Proposition 50, which concerns new Congressional district maps. The California Secretary of State’s Office has provided information to help students understand the voting process.
To participate in the election, individuals must be at least 18 years old on Election Day. Those who are 16 or 17 can pre-register to vote so they are prepared for future elections. Students can choose whether to register using their school address or their home address. Changing the registration address before each election is allowed and does not have long-term consequences.
Registering to vote does not impact federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins, or Stafford loans. Out-of-state students attending a University of California campus can register and vote in California without affecting their state residency status for tuition purposes. Voter registration also does not affect a parent’s ability to claim a student as a dependent on FAFSA forms or tax filings.
The deadline for online voter registration is October 20. After this date, voters can still register at county elections offices or use Same Day Registration on Election Day. Those who register by October 20 will receive a ballot by mail if registered in California. Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped in an official ballot drop box, or submitted at a polling place before polls close on November 4. No postage is required for mailed ballots.
If a voter loses their ballot, they may apply for a replacement by mailing an application to their county’s election office or by casting a provisional ballot at the polls on Election Day. Provisional ballots are counted after officials confirm the voter’s registration status and ensure no duplicate ballot was submitted.
Students temporarily living outside California can have their ballot mailed to their current address by providing it during online registration by October 20. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in California by November 11 to be counted.
Online voting is not available in California; all votes must be cast using paper ballots, either by mail, drop box, early voting center, or polling place on Election Day.
Those who are not eligible to vote may still participate in the election process by working at polling places on Election Day. The responsibilities include setting up and closing polling places, assisting voters, and ensuring ballot security. Compensation varies by county. To work at the polls as a University of California student, one must be a registered voter in California or a legal resident eligible to vote if they were a U.S. citizen.
Encouraging eligible friends to vote is another way for non-eligible individuals to contribute during the election season.
