Who can register to vote?


You can register to vote if you meet all of the following:
  • A citizen of the United States
  • A resident of California
  • At least 18 years of age, as of the day of the next election
  • Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
  • Not declared to be mentally incompetent by a court

How can I get a form to register to vote?

You can register to vote several ways:

  • By mail: You can obtain registration forms at post offices, libraries, Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices, and most County buildings.
     
  • By telephone: Call the Registrar of Voters' office at (209) 385-7541 and a registration card will be mailed to you.
     
  • In Person: Simply go to the Registrar of Voters' office in Room 14 at 2222 M Street, Merced, California.
     
  • DMV: Fill out a voter registration form when applying for or renewing your driver's license or California State ID card.

When can I register to vote?

You can register or re-register to vote at any time. There is no waiting period. In order to be eligible to vote in an election, you must be registered fifteen (15) days prior to the election.

Can I use my P.O. Box number or my business address to register?

A P.O. Box number or a business address can be used as a mailing address; however, you must use your place of residence as your voting address.

When should I re-register to vote?

If you move, change your name, or wish to change your political party. Your voter registration should have your current residence address to ensure that you receive the correct ballot material regarding candidates and measures.

What if I did not vote in the last election. Do I need to re-register?

You do not have to re-register. You are registered to vote as long as you remain at the same address.

Will I be able to vote if I just moved and did not re-register?

If you were registered in Merced County and moved within the County, you can vote a provisional ballot at the polling place for your new address.

Can I sign a petition if I am not registered to vote?

No. In order for your signature to be valid, you must be a registered voter. If you complete and sign a voter registration card on the same date or a date prior to signing the petition, your signature will be valid. The elections official must receive the completed/signed voter registration form on or before the date the petition is filed with the elections office.

Where do I go to vote? Where is my polling place?

The location of your polling place is printed on the back cover of your sample ballot booklet. Please check the polling place address for each election as locations may change.

What are the hours for the polling places?

County election polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Will there be someone at the polling place to assist me if I don't know what to do?

Just ask the Election Officer to help you with the voting procedure. They cannot help you make decisions on your voting choices.