California will hold a statewide special election on November 4, in which voters will decide on Proposition 50, which concerns the approval of new Congressional district maps. The election is open to all California residents who are at least 18 years old on Election Day.
For those who are not yet 18, but are 16 or 17 and living in California, pre-registration is available so that they are ready to vote as soon as they reach voting age. College students can choose whether to register using their school address or their home address, and this decision can be changed before each election.
Addressing concerns about whether voter registration might impact financial aid or tuition, officials clarify that “the address you use to register will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans. Even if you are attending UC as an out-of-state student, you can still choose to register and vote in California, knowing that it will not affect your state residency status when it comes to tuition.” Voter registration also does not affect a parent’s ability to claim a student as a dependent for FAFSA or tax purposes.
The deadline to register online for the election is October 20. However, those who miss the online deadline can still register at county elections offices or use Same Day Registration on Election Day.
Registered voters in California will receive a ballot by mail. Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped in official ballot drop boxes, or delivered to polling places before the polls close on November 4. Postage for mailed ballots is prepaid. Voters who prefer to vote in person may bring their mail-in ballot to a polling place and exchange it for a polling place ballot.
If a voter loses their mail-in ballot, they can apply for a replacement by mailing an application to their county’s election office or cast a provisional ballot at the polls on Election Day. Provisional ballots will be counted once registration is confirmed and it is verified that no mail-in ballot was submitted.
Students temporarily living out of state or abroad may request that their ballot be mailed to their current address by registering online and specifying the mailing address. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in California by November 11 to be counted.
Online voting is not available in California or anywhere in the United States; all votes must be cast on paper ballots, either by mail, drop box, early voting center, or polling place.
Those not eligible to vote can still participate by working at polling places on Election Day. Duties include setting up and breaking down polling sites, assisting voters, and ensuring ballot security. “For starters, you may be able to sign up to work at the polls on Election Day. The job involves setting up and breaking down polling places, helping voters navigate the process and understand their rights, and keeping ballots secure. It’s fun, it’s vital to the democratic process, and best of all, it pays! (The amount 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.
Individuals not eligible to vote are encouraged to talk with friends who are eligible about the importance of voting.
