Politics & Government

What if I lost my ballot? Do I need my ID at the polls? California voting questions answered

A man holds an "I voted" election sticker in a share image for election endorsements
Learn how to get a replacement ballot, where to find unbiased election information, and how to track your vote in California’s 2024 election. Getty Images

California voters have several means to cast and track their ballots in the 2024 election. If you lose your ballot, you can request a replacement from your county elections office. While most voters don’t need to show ID at polling places, first-time voters who registered by mail might need identification. Voters can track their ballots using the state-provided “Where’s My Ballot?” tool to ensure their votes are counted.

Additionally, California law permits bringing necessary aids to polling places, but bans political paraphernalia and firearms within 100 feet of a voting site.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

No. 1: Voting in California? Here are 8 places to find unbiased election info and fact checks

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. | Published September 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brianna Taylor

No. 2: Do I need an ID to vote in California? Here are state requirements for presidential election

Wondering what you need to bring with you to the polling place? | Published October 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

No. 3: You can track your ballot in California. Here’s how to make sure your vote is accepted

Here’s how to track your ballot online. | Published October 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

No. 4: Make a mistake on your California ballot? Here’s how to fix it and get your vote counted

California voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast their ballots in the presidential election. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

No. 5: Voting in California? Here’s what you can — and can’t — bring with you to the polls

Can I wear a MAGA hat when I vote in California? What about a Kamala Harris T-shirt? | Published November 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

No. 6: What happens if I lose my ballot in California? Move? Here’s what voters should do

You still have options if your ballot was mailed to an old address or lost. | Published October 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.

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