Who Can Register
Voting laws are passed by each state. In California, "A person entitled to register to vote shall be a United States citizen, a resident of California, not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony, and at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election." This applies to all elections.

Cal. Const. Art. II, §4: Cal. Elec. Code § 2101

You can vote ~

>After you have completed parole. There is no waiting period and you do not have to prove that you are off parole.
> If you are on probation, or have completed probation.
> If you have been charged with a felony but have not yet been convicted.
> If you have been convicted of a felony but are in county jail and not state prison

If you are on parole for a felony conviction, you cannot vote but you CAN help others register to vote and be an activist for the issues you believe in.

How to Register
You must register to vote at least 15 days before an election. Voting Rights For All encourages completing the registration form and mailing in at least one to two months prior to the election. Registering is free. You just fill in a form and mail it in. No stamps are needed.

Where to get the voter registration form ~

> Pick up the form at your local library or post office.
> Get a form on-line from the Secretary of State’s office – www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

> If you are in county jail, ask a friend or family member to pick up a registration form for you or request one through the jail authorities.

How to fill out the form ~

> Use your home address as your residence address. If you will be in jail on election day, use the jail address as your mailing address.

> Decide whether to register to vote by mail (absentee). Click here for more information about voting absentee.

> The voter registration form is a legal document that requires your signature and either a California driver’s license /ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

> Click here for a picture of the form.

When to mail in the form ~

It is best to mail in the form at least one to two months before election day. You will get a postcard in the mail that tells you that you are registered. You must register at least 15 days prior to an election.

When you need to re-register ~

> You only need to register once, unless you move, change your name, or change your political party.

> If you were registered to vote before a felony conviction, you will have to register again upon completion of your incarceration and parole.
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> If you are not sure if you are already registered, register again.