How to vote in California’s Recall
FAQ on how to cast your ballot in California’s recall election.
Ballots must be postmarked, placed in a dropbox, or delivered to a polling place by 8 pm on September 14.
How do I support Gavin Newsom in the recall election?
1. Vote “NO” on the recall and leave the second question blank
2. Send back your mail-in ballot by 9/14
How can I vote in this election?
All registered voters will receive mail-in ballots. You can also vote in person at a voting center or polling place.
When and how do I have to return my ballot so that it gets counted?
Ballots must be postmarked, placed in a dropbox, or delivered to a polling place by 8 pm on September 14.
Who receives a ballot?
Every registered voter will be mailed a mail in ballot.
What if I am not registered to vote?
Californians can register online or by mail to receive a mail-in ballot until August 30 at registertovote.ca.gov. You can also register the same-day as you vote in person at a polling place or vote center after September 4. You can find more information on the requirements for registering to vote here: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/registering-vote
How do I check my voter registration status?
Visit VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov for info on your voter registration status.
How can I get updates on the status of my ballot?
Sign-up at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ to receive automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot. This will tell you if your ballot has been mailed, received, and counted.
Can I drop my ballot at a dropbox and what is the deadline?
Yes, they have to be in by 8pm on September 14.
How do I find a dropbox for my ballot?
You can find a dropbox to deposit your ballot on the Secretary of State’s website after mid-August: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/ or by contacting your local county elections office: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place
What do I do if my ballot is damaged or lost?
Contact your county elections office: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices to apply for a new ballot. Applications must be received by county officials 7 days before an election.
How can I get help in other languages?
The Secretary of State offers voter information and assistance in English and nine more languages. Select Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai or Vietnamese. For voter assistance in your language, call one of the toll-free Voter Hotlines:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/voter-hotlines.
How do I find a polling place or voter center to vote in person?
You can find your polling place on the Secretary of State’s website after mid-August: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by contacting your local county elections office: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices. We recommend you bring your ballot with you if you plan to vote in person.
What if I will be away from home during the election and can’t retrieve my ballot?
We recommend you re-register to vote and change your mailing address to receive the ballot at your temporary address by August 30 at registertovote.ca.gov If this does not work for you, please contact the Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/voter-hotlines.