Voter Registration

How and Where to Register

 

Registering to vote is the first step every citizen takes to become an eligible voter. Once registered, you can begin to strengthen our democracy by participating in elections, working at our polling precincts, and even registering others like yourself to become voters.

 

You may register by mailing a completed Voter Registration Form to the Elections office. Forms are available in person at public libraries, city and county offices, California Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and at U.S. Post Offices, or via on-line download. You may also call our office at (650) 312-5222 and we will mail a form to you within one business day.

 

You may register at any time, but to be eligible to vote in an upcoming election, your Voter Registration Form must be postmarked no later than 15 days before that election.

 

Uniformed and Overseas Voters

San Mateo County voters who are overseas or in the military may register and apply for a Vote by Mail ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application form (Standard Form 76). This form is available at your local US Embassy or by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at http://www.fvap.gov/.

 

Once your registration form is received and processed, we will send you a Voter Notification Card within 3 to 4 weeks indicating that you are now a registered voter. You can also check your eligibility online. If you are unsure about your voting status, please call the Elections Office directly at (650) 312-5222.

 

Voter Qualifications

You may register to vote if you meet all of the following requirements:

 

  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of California
  • At least 18 years of age on or before election day
  • Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

If you move, change your name, or change your political party affiliation, you will need to re-register.

 

Visit our Video Portal for video instructions on "How and Where to Register"

 

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