County Name Elections

FAQs

Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, you can reach us by email at elections@countyname.gov or phone at 415-555-5555.

Voting Procedures During COVID-19

What precautions will be taken at the polling place?

People in line will wait 6 feet apart, everyone will be required to wear masks, and sanitizer will be available upon entry and exit.

Will I need to wear a mask?

 Voters will be required to wear a mask upon entering the building. If you don’t have one, we’ll give you one.

How can I avoid crowds?

You can avoid crowds by voting by mail, voting early on Month DD, YYYY, or voting early in the day on Election Day.

Registering to Vote

Do I need an ID to register online to vote?

All [Insert: State] residents who are eligible to vote may fill out a voter registration application online on the Secretary of State’s website. If you don’t have a [Insert: State Name] driver license or identification card number but you enter your other information, the website will create a voter registration application for you to print, sign, and mail.

I’ve moved. How do I change my address?

You can update your [Insert: State] residence address by re-registering online or by submitting a paper voter registration application. You can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official, informing them of your move and providing them with your date of birth and current address, even if it is in a different county. 

When is the deadline to register to vote?

[Insert: State] residents must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. For this date and other important election deadlines, see our election calendar. If the registration deadline has passed for an upcoming election, in most elections you may visit your county elections office, a vote center, or a satellite office designated by your county elections official during the 14 days prior to, and including Election Day to conditionally register to vote and vote a provisional ballot. This process is called Same Day Voter Registration.

How do I change my political party preference?

You can change your political party preference by re-registering online or by submitting a paper voter registration application.

How and Where to Vote

When does early voting start?

[Insert: State] law allows voters to cast their ballots as early as 29 days before an election. For the June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election, early voting will begin May 9, 2016. There are two early voting locations in [Insert: County]:

  • ​[Insert: State] Elections Office: [Insert: Address], [Insert: Address line 2], [Insert: City], [Insert: State] [Insert: Zip]. Phone: (530) 265-1298. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • [Insert: City] Town Hall: 10183 Guerrero Street, [Insert: City], [Insert: State] [Insert: Zip]. Phone: (530) 582-7700. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Paper ballots are not available at this location. You will be able to vote on an electronic voting device.

Where can I vote on election day?

Voters in [Insert: County] can vote at any voting center in the county. Find the most convenient location for you.

What to Expect on Election Day

What do I need to bring with me?

In most cases, [Insert: State] voters are not required to show identification at their polling place. However, it is a good idea to bring identification with you when you vote for the first time. See the full list of acceptable forms of ID.

What are my rights as a voter?

  • If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote.
  • If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
  • If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
  • Voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, even if they aren’t in the poll book.
  • If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline:
    • English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
    • Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
    • Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
    • For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683

Accessible Voting

What if I have a permanent disability and want to vote in person?

It is your right to vote privately and independently. For information about your options, visit our Accessible Voting page.

How to Get Involved

How can I become an election worker?

If you’d like to serve your community and make money as an election worker, see what’s involved on our Become an Election Worker page.

How do I run for office? How can I help add a measure to the ballot?

For information for candidates and campaigns, visit our Resources for Candidates page.

How can I get to know my local election department?

Elections are people powered! To learn more about your local election department and get in touch, visit the Contact Us page.