On September 14, California will be holding a Gubernatorial Recall Election. This is an especially important election for all Californians. Elected officials should represent our communities and values, and that only happens when we turn out to vote and make our voices heard. Every day, our Governor makes important decisions that impact our lives, from budget allocations for vital programs like Medi-Cal, to implementing state laws, and managing emergencies.
On September 14, you have an opportunity to decide the future of California. Learn more about important dates and deadlines for this special election below:
- August 16: Ballots were mailed to everyone who was registered to vote before July 16, 2021
- September 11: Polls open and early voting begins
- September 14: Election Day
Ahead of the election, make sure you’re registered to vote in California and check your registration status at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. If you aren’t registered to vote yet, you can still register to participate in this important election. Go to registertovote.ca.gov to register today or to check your registration status. In California, you can register to vote up until Election Day at any polling place or at your County Registrar of Voters.
For this election, every active registered voter will be mailed a vote-by-mail ballot. Anyone who was registered to vote in California by July 16, 2021 was automatically sent a ballot in the mail starting on August 16, 2021.
Voting by mail is easy, efficient, and allows us to vote from the safety of our homes. Once you fill out your ballot, you will have several options to turn it in:
- You can send in your ballot by mail. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before September 14, 2021. No stamps are required to mail in your ballot. Make sure to date and sign your ballot so that it is counted.
- If you're mailing your ballot and want it to be counted by Election Day, make sure to allow extra time (about two weeks) for it to be received.
- You can drop off your ballot at a designated mail ballot drop-off site. You can find a list of sites here.
- Your ballot can also be dropped off at your County Registrar of Voters until 8pm on Election Day, September 14.
- Lastly, you can turn in your ballot at any polling location in your county until 8pm on Election Day, September 14.
- To sign up to track your ballot – when it is mailed, received, and counted - visit this link.
If you choose to vote in person, you will be able to vote at any polling location in your county. Early in-person voting begins Saturday, September 11th. On Election Day, (Tuesday, September 14th) polls will be open until 8pm. Remember, as long as you’re in line by 8pm they must extend the deadline and let you vote! To find a list of in-person voting locations for Election Day, click here.
Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is working to get out the vote and educate California voters on voter registration, election information, and more. Are you looking to get involved? Here are three things you can do:
- Help your friends and family check to make sure they are registered to vote
- Volunteer with your favorite organization to help them get out the vote
For more information on the election and how you can prepare, please visit this link.
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