How to Register to Vote

You can register to vote if you are: a United States citizen and a resident of California, and 18 years old or older on Election Day. It is recommended that you register at least 15 days before Election Day. If it is less than 15 days before an election, you can still register in-person at one of Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s offices or an active Vote Center. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can also pre-register to be ready to vote when you are 18.

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Go to the California Online Voter Registration System
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Complete the voter registration application on the California Secretary of State's website. Once submitted, your application will be forwarded to your County Elections Official.
Documentation You Need
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Be prepared to provide:
- Your California driver license or identification card number,
- The last four digits of your social security number and
- Your date of birth.
Your information will be provided to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to retrieve a copy of your signature. If you do not have a license or identification card, you can still register to vote. However, your County Elections Office will request additional steps to complete your voter registration.

Obtain a Paper Application
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Applications can be obtained at most government buildings such as the City Clerk's Office at Santa Monica City Hall, Santa Monica Branch Libraries, U.S. Post Offices and Department of Motor Vehicles offices.
You may also call the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office at (800) 815-2666, Option 2 to have a form mailed to you.
Complete the Application
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Complete the required sections of the application. Be prepared with your California driver license or identification card number, and the last four digits of your social security number. Remember to provide the address where you live, and to sign and date the application.
Mail the Completed Application
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Tear and keep the bottom part as your receipt and keep it until you receive a notice from your County Elections Official. Fold and tape to seal your Application (do not staple the card). No postage is necessary if mailed in the United States.

Visit the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk or a Vote Center
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1. You may register to vote at anytime at one of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk offices.
2. During an election, you may register at any active Vote Center within Los Angeles County.

Contact Us:

(310) 458-8211
clerk@santamonica.gov

FAQ

What if my name, address, or political party affiliation changes?

Complete and submit a new application with your new information. Your registration should always reflect your current residence address to ensure that you receive the correct ballot material regarding candidates and measures on which you can vote.

If I pre-register to vote, what happens when I turn 18?

When you turn 18 years old, the County Elections Office will mail a confirmation postcard stating that your voter registration is active. At the time of the next election, your County Elections Official will mail election materials to your registered address. If your postcard is returned undeliverable, possibly because you have moved, the Elections Office may inactivate your record until a new application is submitted.

Is identification required to register to vote?

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) states that individuals registering to vote for the first time in the state/jurisdiction must provide either a valid California driver's license or ID card number. Applicants who do not have either can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number. If the voter provides a driver's license or ID number that can be matched to a state record, then the voter will not be required to show ID when they vote.

If a person registers by mail, has not previously voted in an election for federal office and:

Votes in person: A photo ID or a document that indicates the voter's name and residence address must be presented.
Votes by mail: A copy of a photo ID or a document with both the voter's name and residence address must be presented.

Is it true that voter registration lists are used to select citizens for jury duty? If I cancel my voter registration, can I be certain that I will not get a summons for jury duty?

Yes, California State Statutes require that lists of registered voters be provided to the Jury Commissioner to be used for jury duty selection. Cancelling a registration does not excuse citizens from jury duty because another source is from the Department of Motor Vehicles' list of licensed drivers and identification cardholders resident.

How can I cancel a registration record?

Download and complete the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Request Voter Registration Cancellation Application. You can also request an application by calling (800) 815-2666, Option 2. Mail the application to the address at the bottom of the form.

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Continue the Process:

Go to the California Online Voter Registration System

Documentation You Need

Obtain a Paper Application

Complete the Application

Mail the Completed Application

Visit the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk or a Vote Center

Contact Us: