What happens if I lose my ballot in California? Move? Here’s what voters should do
The presidential election is here.
In California, voters have until 8 p.m. on Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 5 — to vote for president, elect U.S. senators and representatives and weigh in on key ballot propositions.
Your ballot should have already arrived in the mail.
What can you do if you lost or misplaced your ballot? What if you recently moved?
Reddit user BanzaiTree, a Santa Cruz County resident, asked: “I moved to another city after I received my mail in ballot. Can I still mail in the ballot or do I need to vote in person?”
Here’s what the California Secretary of State said to do to ensure your vote is counted:
Can you still vote in California if you lost your ballot?
If you didn’t receive, lost or accidentally destroyed your original vote-by-mail ballot, you can apply for a replacement ballot, the California Secretary of State’s Office said.
“Only the registered voter themself may request a replacement ballot,” the agency said.
To get a replacement ballot, fill out an application and return it your local county elections office.
You can also request a replacement ballot from your county elections office by “phone, email, fax or other electronic means,” according to the California Secretary of State website.
Can you vote if you recently moved?
Though the last day to register to vote in California was on Monday, Oct. 21, the California Secretary of State’s Office said residents who have recently moved and missed the voter registration deadline can still participate in the election through same-day voter registration.
“This process allows eligible voters to register and vote at the same time at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center up to and including Election Day,” the office wrote in an email to The Sacramento Bee. “Simply visit one of these locations, complete a voter registration form and cast your ballot.”
California voters can find their nearest location to register here.
What happens if my ballot was mailed to my old address?
If your ballot was sent to an old address after you moved, the California Secretary of State’s Office said you should contact your county elections office immediately to request a replacement ballot.
“You can also visit a polling place or vote center in your new county to obtain a replacement ballot or vote in person,” the office said. “This ensures you receive the correct ballot for your new address and that your vote is counted.”
Do I need a new ballot if I moved to a different city?
If you moved to a new city within the same county, you do not need a new ballot to vote in California.
If you recently moved to a new county, the California Secretary of State’s Office said, you should use same-day voter registration at your new county’s elections office, polling place or vote center to update your registration and receive the correct ballot.
The office said you should contact your new county elections office or visit a voting location to get a new mail-in ballot and “ensure your vote counts.”
Have a question about the 2024 election season?
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You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below. We have reporters covering election news in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo.
This story was originally published October 28, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
