• Young Californians who are 16 or 17 years of age are encouraged to pre-register to vote. Pre-registration is simple and easy to do online or via a paper application.

    To pre-register simply fill out the form online at the Secretary of State’s website or locate your nearest DMV, post office or public library for a physical application.

    If students do not have a California driver’s license or identification card, they can fill out their information and the website will create a form for them to print, sign and mail. All information will then be sent directly to their county elections office to be placed on record.

    Pre-registration allows teens the ability to register themselves to vote and once they turn 18 years old, the registration will become immediately active. This avoids potential problems, such as the inability to vote, as voter registration deadlines are 15 days before any election day.

    Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is 18 years old, it simply gives teens sufficient time to become informed voters. Once 18, a postcard will be sent to their address saying their registration is active. On the next election, voters will automatically receive their election-related materials.

    For more information visit the Secretary of State’s website.