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California

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?
Find an application for an absentee ballot here

Here you can type your information on the online English version of the statewide absentee voter application. Then you can print, sign and date the form, and mail it to your county elections office. You can find the address of your county elections office through the link below. To apply using a form that is not in English, you must print it, fill it out, sign and date the form, and mail it to the county elections office.

Alternatively, you may use the application printed on the Sample Ballot every voter receives prior to an election or apply in writing to your county elections official. To apply, you must submit a completed application or a letter containing your name and residence address as stated on your registration card; the address to which the absentee ballot should be sent (if it differs from your registered address); the name and date of the election in which you would like to vote absentee; the date; and your signature.

Where do I send the request?
Find contact information for your county elections office here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
You must apply between 29 days and 7 days before Election Day:
Primary Election: January 7 - January 29
General Election: October 6 - October 28

What is the voting procedure?
You must insert your ballot into the provided envelope and complete all required information on the envelope. No witnesses are required.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
Your ballot must be received by the county elections office by the time the polls close at 8:00 pm on Election Day:
Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4.

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 15 days prior to Election Day (January 22 for Primary Election).

How do I contact the Secretary of State / Election officials?
Secretary of State’s Office
Elections Division
1500 11th Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: 916-657-2166
E-mail: elections@ss.ca.gov

Is permanent absentee status available?
Yes. You must complete an application that is available from your county elections official. Any registered voter may apply.

Additional information:
Absentee Ballot Application forms are available online in the following languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean