How to Vote

Voting with a conviction in California:

Each state has different felony disenfranchisement laws, which causes confusion and can lead to eligible voters not participating for fear of making a mistake. In California, the advocates are fighting to make sure the rules are clear.

Here in California, the only time you are not allowed to vote is if you are currently serving a state or federal prison sentence.

You CAN VOTE if:

  • You are in county jail serving a misdemeanor or awaiting trial for any crime.
  • You are in jail as a condition of probation.
  • You are serving a felony county jail sentence under realignment.
  • You are currently on probation, parole, mandatory supervision, or post-release community supervision.

Voter ID Issues:

  • You never need a photo ID to vote in California.
  • If you did not provide either your driver’s license, state ID, or Social Security number when registering to vote AND it is your first time voting in a federal election, you’ll need to show documentation of your name and address. Click here for a list of acceptable forms of identification.
Register to Vote