There is no doubt that California’s gubernatorial race has heated up in recent weeks, from the fallout of Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell’s exit in early April to a series of chaotic debates featuring the top candidates lob accusations at one another.
And now, as we inch closer to Election Day when Californians will pick a gubernatorial candidate to advance to November’s general election and vote on a myriad of other statewide races, today — Monday, May 18 — is the last day to register to vote online.
“Like we always do, California removes barriers so every eligible voter can be heard,” California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber said in an April news release. “Take five minutes today to register or update your address—then make a plan to vote.”
Here’s how to check if you’re registered to vote, how to register to vote online, what to do if you miss the voter registration deadline, and how to cast a ballot.
How to check if you’re registered for June primary
If you’re not sure if you have registered to vote, you can check online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
The webpage will prompt you to enter personal information, such as your name and birthdate, as well as your driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you are registered to vote, the website will direct you to page with your voter status, which will note your address, which county you are registered to vote in, and party preference. The page also includes a feature where you can search nearby vote centers and ballot drop-off locations.
How to register online
If you are not a registered voter, you can register online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
You will be asked a series of questions on the application, including if you are a U.S. Citizen and resident of California. Then, you will be prompted to fill out a form, where you will be asked to include the following:
You can also register to vote at your county elections office. A list of county elections offices available on the California Secretary of State’s website.
How to vote if you miss registration deadline
If you miss the Monday, May 18, deadline to register to vote, you can opt for same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration.
Voters who need to register, or re-register, within 14 days of an election can do so at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center, according to the California Secretary of State. These ballots will be processed and counted after the county elections office has completed the voter registration process.
If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you can use the state’s polling place lookup tool to find your polling location.
How to cast ballot
Once you have filled out your ballot, you can return it via mail, drop box, or in person at a dedicated voting center.
If you are casting your vote by mail, it must be postmarked on or before June 2 and received by your county elections office no later than June 10.
You can return your ballot in person at your county elections office or at any polling or ballot drop-off location by 8 p.m. on June 2. Ballot drop-off locations opened Tuesday, May 5.
To vote in person on Election Day, you can do so at your designated polling place on June 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Registered voters should have been mailed a Voter Information Guide, which includes a designated polling place. You can also find your polling place on the California Secretary of State’s website or by calling: (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
How to track your June primary ballot
You can track the status of your ballot using the state’s Where’s My Ballot tracking tool.
The tool allows you to track when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. It also allows you to sign up for automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot’s status.
Key dates for June primary
County election officials had a deadline of Monday, May 4, to mail vote-by-mail ballots to registered voters. Ballot drop-off locations opened the following day.
Here are some key upcoming dates for the June primary:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Today is the last day to register for California’s June primary
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
