Going to Vote

Providing Californians with information can make the difference between their being registered and casting a ballot.

Some new voters are intimidated with the process because they do not know what to anticipate. We start by helping them understand that they can choose to vote in person or with a vote by mail ballot. (You may not know that in California's November 2006 election, 42% voted by absentee ballot.)

Next, it is helpful if people understand the importance of their Sample Ballot that is sent to all registered voters by their county elections office:

• it lists everything that will be on their ballot
• it shows where their polling place is
• it has the application for an absentee ballot

If people want to vote in-person, helping them to become comfortable with the voting equipment they may be using can make their voting experience easier. (To learn more about the voting equipment that may be used in your county, click search by county.)

Californians should also be aware of their voting rights. For example, they can take someone with them to go vote. If they are on not on the list of voters, at their polling place, they still have the right to cast a “provisional ballot."

More information about voting in person:

• from the League of Women Voters of California
• from the California Secretary of State about Provisional Ballots

More information about voting absentee:>

• from the League of Women Voters of California
• from the California Secretary of State