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Voting and Elections Information

Your Vote is Your Voice

Who Can Register to Vote in California?

To register, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen and California resident
  • Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
  • Not currently serving a sentence in state or federal prison or on parole for a felony
  • Not be declared mentally incompetent by a court

You can pre-register at age 16 or 17, and you’ll be automatically registered when you turn 18.


How Do I Register to Vote?

Visit the page and complete the registration form. Be sure to check important voting dates and deadlines.

If you miss the deadline, don’t worry — California offers Same-Day Voter Registration. You can register and vote in person at your county elections office or a polling place up to and on Election Day.


Where Should I Register — My Home County or Santa Barbara County?

That’s up to you.

  • If you want to vote on issues affecting your hometown or plan to return there soon, register in your home county and vote by mail.
  • If you want to participate in local elections while attending college, register to vote in Santa Barbara County.

Where Do I Vote? 

Due to the Voter’s Choice Act, all registered voters in participating counties will receive a mail-in ballot about 28 days before the election.

You can:

  • Mail your ballot
  • Drop it off at any Voter Service Center (theres a ballot box in Lot 3, near Building B) 
  • Vote in person at any Voter Center during the early voting period or on Election Day

Have a Past Conviction?

In California, your voting rights are restored after completing your sentence, including parole.
if you’ve had a conviction in the past.