How to Register?
Facts for New Citizens
Citizens who will be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election are eligible to register to vote. Except as noted below, registration must take place at least 15 days before the election. You must also re-register by the 15-day deadline for an election to change your address, name or political party.
After the naturalization swearing-in ceremony, you may complete the registration-by-mail form provided and mail it to the Registrar of Voters. The voter registration form must be postmarked 15 days before the election. You will receive a notice of your eligibility to vote within a few weeks after your registration is processed. You may obtain additional registration forms and general information about elections by calling the Imperial County Registrar of Voters office at (442) 265-1060, or email us. The mailing address is 940 West Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro, CA 92243.
IMPORTANT: If you become a citizen after the close of registration, you may register and vote at the Registrar of Voters office beginning on the 14th day before an election and ending at the close of polls on Election Day. New citizens must present a Certificate of Naturalization dated after the close of registration. The Registrar of Voters offices is located at 940 West Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro, California.
California law permits you to register with a political party or to decline to state a political party. For each election in which you are eligible to vote, you will be sent a sample ballot. The Sample Ballot contains information on the candidates and measures to be voted on in the election. It is recommended that you mark the sample ballot and take it to the polls to use as a reference when voting. Imperial County also provides voting instructions, the State Ballot Pamphlet and local measures to each polling place.
On Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The address of the polling place will be printed on the sample ballot booklet. If you need further information or directions to the polling place on Election Day, please call (442) 265-1060. Polling Place information may also be found on the Imperial County Registrar of Voters’ website.
For information on how to request vote-by-mail ballots or apply for Permanent Absent Voter Status, click here, call (442) 265-1060, or email us.
If you are interested in being a poll worker on Election Day, click here, or please write or call the Registrar of Voters office at 940 West Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro, CA 92243; telephone (442) 265-1060 or email us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may register to vote?
- A U.S. Citizen
- A resident of California
- At least 18 years of age on or before the next election
- Not currently serving in prison
- Not declared mentally incompetent by court action
When is it necessary to re-register?
When you move, change your name, or wish to change your political party affiliation.
I just moved to California, when am I able to register?
There is no waiting period in California before you can register to vote. However, you must be registered 15 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote.
Do I have to register with a specific political party?
No, California law states that an individual may choose either to register with a specific political party, register as non-partisan, or decline to state.
I did not vote in the last election. Do I need to re-register?
No. Generally speaking, you are registered for as long as you live at the same address.
How can I find out if I am still registered?
You can find your information online or call the Registrar of Voters Office to find out if you are still registered.
What if I just moved and didn't have time to re-register?
If you moved within Imperial County 14 days or less before an election, you can go to your old polling place, your new polling place, or to the Registrar of Voters Office. If you go to your new polling place, be sure to bring either a California Driver's License, ID Card, or two other types of identification that proves you live at the new address. (See the 'Proof of Current Residence' list below.)
Proof of Current Residence.
Proof of current residence shall consists of a valid California driver's license or ID card, which includes the voter's name and current residence address, or any two of the following documents, both of which must contain the voter's name and current address:
- Utility Bill
- Property Tax Statement
- Military Identification
- College or University Fee Card or Student Identification
- Lease AgreementIncome Tax Statement
- Vehicle Registration
- Mortgage Statement
- Preprinted Check or Bank Deposit Slip
- Mail Addressed to the Voter at His or Her Current Address
- Sworn Statement from a Voter in the Precinct
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement