Are you registered to vote?

Voting is one of the most effective and patriotic ways to make your voice heard on issues you care about, from local tax measures to presidential actions. 

Register to Vote

This year, make sure that you are registered to vote or check your registration status before October 21st. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen to vote. If you are 16 or 17, you can also pre-register, which will ensure that you are registered on your 18th birthday. In California, your vote-by-mail ballot will be mailed to you. You can track your ballot using Where's My Ballot? to find out both when it has been mailed and when they have received it from you and counted it. 

The deadline to mail or deliver your ballot is on election day. This year, that day is November 5th. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 5th and received by November 12th to be counted. If you choose to vote in person or to deliver your ballot to a polling place, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Your polling location should be listed on your ballot. If you have a job, you are legally entitled to take time off to vote. 

Learn About the Issues

You have registered to vote, and you finally receive your ballot - oh joy! You open the form and suddenly it's like a pop quiz you never studied for - all those little blank circles next to unfamiliar names are overwhelming, and you don't even know what a member of the state assembly does. You flip open the booklet to learn more about the propositions and they're written in legalese with opposing arguments that seem to say same thing.

Don't panic! There are plenty of resources out there that can help you become an informed voter.

• CalMatters Voter Guide - Simplified information about voting in California, as well as information on races and local measures that include links to news articles and impartial analyses.
• Vote Smart - Search for a candidate's name and see their profile, voting record, positions, speeches, endorsements, and funding sources.
• Vote411 - Contains unbiased information about candidates and issues as well as instructions on registering to vote.

Want to get even nerdier? Check out our Constitution Day library guide with additional resources, including:

• Politifact - Tracks and fact-checks the accuracy of news, statements, and promises of political leaders and candidates.
• Follow the Money - Use the tools to track contributions, donors and influences on political candidates.

If you're on the IWV campus, stop by the library to learn more about the importance of voting with our Constitution Day display. 

You can also watch a recording of Cerro Coso's Constitution Day Q&A with Dr. Matt Jones and Prof. Kevin King!

Literally or figuratively, we look forward to seeing you at the polls!