by 5 Calls

Five minutes a week. Protect your vote.

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Know your voting options

Have you thought about whether you’ll vote in-person or by mail this election? Can you vote early or will you head to the polls on Election Day?

You don’t have to decide now. But it’s important that you know all your options and add deadlines to your calendar so that you’re prepared to make an informed decision.

Things to know:

  • Does your state offer early in-person voting? If so, when is it?
  • Are you eligible to vote by mail?
  • What’s the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
  • What are your options for returning your ballot?

All of this varies from state to state, but we’re here to help you get the answers so that nothing prevents you from voting this election season.

Voting options in California:

CALIFORNIA

In-person early voting: Yes, from Mon, Oct 5 to Mon, Nov 2

Same-day registration: Yes, during early voting and on Election Day, Nov 3

Absentee & vote-by-mail: Automatic mail ballot to every active registered voter

  • By mail: Request must be received by Tue, Oct 27
  • In person: Request by Tue, Nov 3

How to return your ballot: drop box, early voting site, local election office, polling place, or by mail

  • By mail: Postmarked by Tue, Nov 3, and must arrive by Tue, Nov 10 (mail it by Tue, Oct 27!)
  • In person: Received by Tue, Nov 3 at 8PM
Add deadlines to my calendar

On a phone this opens the list of dates for you to add. On a computer it opens Apple Calendar or Outlook to add them for you. If nothing happens, download the file instead and open it.

Remember, things like polling locations can change at any time, so always check with your local election commission for the most up-to-date information.

Extra credit

I’m ready for more Confirm your voting options above to unlock

Help a student get ready to vote

Less than a third of students and only about 23% of eligible youth voters turned out to vote in the 2022 midterms.

Are you in college? Check out this tool designed specifically to help students navigate the challenges of registration and voting while in school.

Do you know a college student? Send them a quick text to help them get election-ready. It only takes a minute!

Sample message to student

Hi [NAME], I just wanted to see if you’re ready to vote this November! If you’re not sure what your options are, here’s a helpful tool designed just for college students: https://5calls.org/vote/college/

Election Day is not the only day to vote, it’s the last day to vote.

8 states and D.C. conduct elections entirely by mail with mail ballots automatically sent.
26 states require early voting on at least some weekend days.
16 states allow citizens to register and vote simultaneously during the early voting period and on Election Day.

Get the newsletter

One email a week. Additional info and updates. That’s it.