The deadline to register to vote in California's general election has passed, but eligible voters who missed it still have options.
Residents who missed the Monday, Oct. 19, deadline can opt for same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration.
Here's what to know if you've missed the voter registration cutoff and still want to cast a ballot.
How to check if you're registered for November election
First, check whether you are already registered to vote on the California Secretary of State’s website.
The webpage will prompt you to enter personal information, such as your name and birthdate, as well as your driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you are registered to vote, the website will direct you to a page showing your voter status,
including your address, the county you are registered to vote in, and your party preference. The page also lets you search for nearby vote centers and ballot drop-off locations.
How to vote if you missed the registration deadline
If you're not registered and missed the registration deadline, you can use the state's same-day voter registration, or conditional voter registration.
Eligible Californians who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete same-day voter registration and vote at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center, according to the California Secretary of State.
The county elections office will process and count these ballots after it completes the voter registration process. You can complete same-day voter registration through Election Day.
You can find a list of early voting sites where you can complete the same-day voter registration process online at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.
If you prefer to complete same-day voter registration at a county elections office, you can find a complete list of those offices, along with their addresses and contact information, on the California Secretary of State's website here.
If you decide to register on Election Day, use the state's polling place lookup tool to find a nearby polling location. You can also find your polling place by calling: (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
Polls will be open on Nov. 3 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
How to track your November ballot
You can track your ballot's status using the state’s Where's My Ballot tracking tool.
The service, powered by BallotTrax, lets voters see when their vote‑by‑mail ballot is mailed, received and counted. It also allows you to sign up for automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot’s status.
Key dates for November general election
Here are some key upcoming dates for California's general election in November:
- Oct. 20: Same-day registration is available
- Oct. 20: Voter's Choice Act counties open vote centers
- Nov. 3: Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 3: Last day for county elections officials to certify election results
- Dec. 4: County elections officials will send the California Secretary of State a complete copy of the general election returns
- Dec. 11: Statement of Vote certified by the California Secretary of State
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Missed California's voter registration deadline? Here's what to do
