How to Apply

Registered voters can apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, by mail, for an upcoming election at any time, but not later than seven days prior to the election. Applications must be submitted to the county elections officials no later than the seventh day prior to the election.

The application to vote a vote-by-mail ballot is available as a PDF download by clicking on one of the links below.

The English version of the statewide vote-by-mail voter application may be completed by typing your information directly on the online application. Once you have typed in your information, simply print, sign and date the form, and mail it to your county elections office. DO NOT SEND IT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.

*English - Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application - Primary Election ONLY

* English - Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application - General Election

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The Process of Voting By Mail

Any registered voter may vote by vote-by-mail ballot. Rather than go to the polls to cast a ballot on election day, you may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, which you will need to complete and return to your elections official.

*All valid vote-by-mail ballots are counted in every election in California, regardless of the outcome or closeness of any race. For additional canvass of the vote information please visit our web site at www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_oc.htm.

To apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, you may use the application printed on your Sample Ballot, which you will receive prior to every election, or apply in writing to your county elections official. You will need to submit a completed application or letter to your county elections official between 29 days and 7 days before the election. The application or letter must contain 1) your name and residence address as stated on your registration card; 2) the address to which the vote-by-mail ballot should be sent (if different than your registered address); 3) the name and date of the election in which the you would like to vote-by-mail; and 4) the date and your signature.

Once your application is processed by your county elections official, the proper ballot type/style will be sent to you. After you have voted, insert your ballot in the envelope provided for this purpose, making sure you complete all required information on the envelope. You may return your voted vote-by-mail ballot by 1) mailing it to your county elections official; 2) returning it in person to a polling place or elections office within your county on election day; or 3) authorizing a legally-allowable third party (relative or person residing in the same household as you) to return the ballot on your behalf. Regardless of how the ballot is returned, it MUST be received by the county elections office by the time polls close (8 p.m.) on election day. Late-arriving vote-by-mail ballots are not counted.

Once your voted vote-by-mail ballot is received by your county elections official, your signature on the vote-by-mail ballot return envelope will be compared to the signature on your voter registration card to determine that you are the authorized voter. To preserve the secrecy of your ballot, the ballot will then be separated from the envelope and the ballot becomes as anonymous and secret as any other ballot.

For more information Click this link

© Copyright 2007 California Secretary of State