General Voter Information
Get involved in local, state, and national issues by voting. Learn more about voter eligibility, local elections, and registration here.
Eligibility
To be eligible to register to vote, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
- Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
- At least 18 years of age by Election Day
- Not judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
Voter Registration Deadline
The voter registration deadline is always 15 days before an election. Voters who register after the 29th day before an election will not receive a sample ballot or other election information by mail.
When to Re-register to Vote
In order to remain eligible to vote, you must re-register whenever you:
- Change your residential address
- Change your name (first, middle or last name)
- Change your political party affiliation
Vote by Mail
Any registered voter may vote by mail. You may apply for a vote by mail ballot with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters must receive your application no later than seven days before election.
To obtain a Voter Registration form in person, go to:
Alameda County Registrar of Voters
1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6973
City Hall – Office of the City Clerk
777 B Street, 4th Floor, Hayward
(510) 583-4400
U.S. Post Offices
24438 Santa Clara Street, Hayward
822 C Street, Hayward
Hayward Public Libraries
Main Library
835 C Street, Hayward
Weekes Branch Library
27300 Patrick Avenue, Hayward
Department of Motor Vehicles
150 Jackson Street, Hayward
Return your vote by Mail Ballot:
By Mail:
Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Registrar of Voters office no later than 3 days after Election Day.
In Person:
- At the Registrar of Voters office during business hours; 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
- At any polling place in Alameda County from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day
- At the City of Hayward Official Ballot drop-box location
Online Voter Registration
You can register to vote by submitting the online application through the California Secretary of State's website. If you have any questions, please contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at (800) 345-8683.
