We are California. Dreamers and doers, caregivers and hustlers, people from every walk of life who show up for our families and communities. From the Central Valley to the Coast, big cities to small towns, we don’t let anything stop us — especially when it’s time to make our voices heard.
Election season is here — ballots are out, drop boxes are open, and voting has begun.
Some are spreading fear and confusion to make us doubt our power or feel unsafe voting. But when Californians show up, we set the direction for the nation.
That’s why we’re turning this election season into a celebration of democracy, courage, and belonging. In communities across the state, everyday Californians are organizing Can’t Stop CA Actions and Events, where we come together to celebrate our power, protect our vote, and make sure every voice counts this election.
Together, we can make sure every Californian can vote freely, safely, and proudly. Together, we remind the country: you can’t stop California.
Take action with us to receive updates, learn about local events, and attend trainings to protect the vote for all, no matter the color of our skin or how much money we make.
Key Dates
Adopt a Vote Center + Help Protect Our Vote.
We are not going to let anything stop us from showing up for our families and communities this election. Sign up to Adopt a Voter Center near you and we will send you an easy guide on how you can be a volunteer election protector just by being a supportive neighbor. Because anyone and everyone who shows up at the polls, should be able to vote freely and safely.
We’re turning this election season into a celebration of democracy, courage, and belonging. In communities across the state, we are organizing with our friends, families, and loved ones to celebrate our power, protect our vote, and make sure every voice counts in the upcoming elections.
Together, we make sure every Californian can vote freely, safely, and proudly. Together, we remind the country: You Can’t Stop California.
Can't Stop California: Election Protection Training
Coordinated efforts are underway to undermine our elections—through disinformation, voter suppression, and direct interference. Join this urgent virtual training to understand the playbook, what to watch for, and how we can organize to protect every vote. They will push as far as they can—it’s up to us to be ready.
May 20, 6pm-7:30pm
Can't Stop California: Election Protection Training
Coordinated efforts are underway to undermine our elections—through disinformation, voter suppression, and direct interference. Join this urgent virtual training to understand the playbook, what to watch for, and how we can organize to protect every vote. They will push as far as they can—it’s up to us to be ready.
May 27, 6pm-7:30pm
Vote By Mail
Vote By Drop Box
Vote In Person
To vote in statewide elections in California, you must be:
Most Californians with a criminal record have the right to vote, including: people who have finished their sentence or are awaiting trial; those who are serving a misdemeanor or felony jail sentence; and those who are on a form of community supervision such as probation or parole. The only time a conviction affects your right to vote is while you are serving a state or federal prison sentence.
Californians who are homeless and meet the eligibility criteria above also have the right to vote. If you are homeless, you may register to vote at a location where you spend most of your time, such as a shelter, park, or cross streets. You can also provide a mailing address, if available, to receive a mailed ballot and other election materials.
There are multiple ways that you can vote in California.
Know your rights at the polls
Remember to sign your ballot envelope before returning it by mail or drop box. Elections officials will compare this signature to the one on your registration before counting your ballot and will contact you if your signature is missing or does not compare. To make sure your ballot counts, please make sure it is postmarked or returned to a drop box by November 3. Sign up for Where’s My Ballot to get updates when your ballot is mailed to you, received, and counted.
If you experience challenges at the polls–including issues with casting your ballot, long lines, or intimidation–call or text 866-OUR-VOTE to speak with a trained election protection volunteer.
VOTE BY MAIL
Ballots must be postmarked by the election deadline! As long as it’s postmarked on or before November 5, 2024, vote-by-mail ballots can still by counted if it is received by your county elections office within seven days of the election.
EARLY VOTING
In California, registered voters in select counties can vote in-person as early as 10 days before the election subject to the Voter’s Choice Act. Any registered voter in these select counties may visit a vote center to receive services and cast your vote. Additional vote centers will open up to three days before the election day.
The locations and hours of operation for these voter centers will be included in vote-by-mail materials and on the Secretary of State’s website.
To find out if your county has early voting visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov or call the toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
Voting materials and in-person voting assistance are available in multiple languages. Add your language preference when registering to vote or contact your county elections office to ask if voting materials are available in your preferred language.
Assistance is also available for voters with disabilities, including accessible ballot-marking devices and curbside voting at polling places and vote centers statewide. You can also contact your county elections office to learn more about Remote Accessible Vote-By-Mail and Emergency Ballot Delivery options.
Any voter is permitted to bring up to two people–other than their employer or union representative–into the voting booth to assist them. Californians are also entitled to take up to two hours off of work to vote if they do not have enough time outside of normal working hours.
Finally, you may have someone else return your completed ballot for you to any drop box or voting location, as long as they are not being paid based on the number of ballots they return. Just complete the authorization section on your ballot envelope.
Find the California Voter Bill of Rights here to learn more about your right to vote.
If you encounter any issues in casting your ballot or feel like your rights were violated, you can visit the Election Protection website or call/text one of the hotlines below to get help resolving your dispute and reporting your claim.
Non-Partisan CA Special Election Voter Information Guides
Tracking your ballot — when it is mailed, received, and counted — has never been easier.
Track your ballot on the California BallotTrax website.
