State voting rules for California
Registered California voters abroad need to send in a ballot request form to obtain "overseas voter" status and if they need to update their personal information.
Click here to start your ballot request now.
Check below for your delivery methods and deadlines, and to find your local election office contact information.
How to Send
Registration: Fax or Mail
(If you use the Calif Secretary of State’s online registration system, you must use a Calif State ID Card. If you use the FPCA form, generated here at www.votefromabroad.org, you don't need a Calif ID.)
Ballot Request: Email or Fax or Mail
(Registered voters in California are not required to send in a ballot request form -- but should confirm Overseas Voter status)
Ballot Return: Fax or Mail
Type of Ballot Based on Voter Category
If you choose “My Return is Uncertain,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
"Intend to Return" means you have an intention to return in the future -- but you don't need a set date or specific plans.
If you choose “Intend to Return,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections. But this may be one of several factors used to determine whether you may be subject to California state income tax.
If you choose “I've Never Lived in the US,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
Election Deadlines for California Voters Abroad
Election Deadlines for California Voters Abroad
| Election Day | Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| California-General Nov 4 | Postal mail: Postmarked by Oct 20, 2025 Fax or Online Upload: Received by Oct 20, 2025 | Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 28, 2025 Not required -- but highly recommend all voters confirm with their Election Office that they're registered as an "Overseas voter" | Fax: Received by Nov 4, 2025, 8:00 PM Postal mail: Postmarked by Nov 4, 2025 only if sent by mail, received by Nov 12, 2025
|
Find Your Election Office
Jurisdiction
Click in the box below and select your local election official from the list (may be county, city, town...)
Additional Resources
You may need to use a VPN if you cannot connect to your state's voter information pages. Some states only allow internet connections from US locations. For more information about how to use a VPN, please click here.