Residents may register to vote at any time. If a qualified voter is not registered and wants to vote in a particular election, they must register at least fifteen (15) days before the election in order to be eligible to vote.

California voter registration requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be a California resident
• Must be at least 18 years of age on or before the next election

You cannot register to vote if you:

• Are currently serving a court sentence for a felony
• Are currently on parole
• Have been declared mentally incompetent by a court action

Registration is Easy!

Here are 3 ways you can register to vote:

Option 1 – Download the Registration Form from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters Web site, fill out, and return to the Registrar's Main Office.

Option 2 – Postcard Registration. Postcards are available for pickup at the following locations:

• City Clerk's Office, City Hall
• Registrar of Voters Main Office
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• U.S. Postal Services
• Public Library

Option 3 – Have a postcard mailed directly to you. Call the Registrar of Voters Main Office at 858-565-5800 and request a registration postcard. Once received, fill it out and return to the Registrar of Voters.

You must re-register if:

• You have changed your residence or mailing address
• You have changed your name
• You wish to change your political party affiliation

Voting by Mail

When you register to vote, you can indicate your preference for a vote-by-mail ballot in all elections.  Or you can submit a written request to the Registrar of Voters, PO Box 85093, San Diego, CA 92186-9910, which must be received at least seven (7) days before the election.

Prior to every election, you will be sent a sample ballot and other election material. This information is not forwarded by the post office, so it is important that you are registered at your current address. You can check to see your current registration status on the San Diego County Registrar of Voters Web site at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Ereg.shtml.

The sample ballot will give you information about the offices and measures on the ballot. Look it over before Election Day and decide how you want to vote. You may want to mark you sample ballot and take it to the polls to assist you in marking your official ballot. Keep your sample ballot – don't toss it until after the election.

Language Assistance

The Federal Voting Rights Act ensures that all San Diego County registration and sample ballot information is available in Spanish, Vietnamese and Filipino translations as well as English. To speak to a voter outreach worker, call the Registrar of Voters Office at (858) 565-5800.

Cassette tapes are also available for the blind.

Citizen Participation

The Registrar of Voters needs public-spirited citizens to serve as precinct officers and fill other temporary positions. Polling places are also needed, especially those accessible to the handicapped.

If you are interested in providing one or both of these important services, please call the Poll Worker Recruitment or Precinct Services at 858-565-5800, or visit their Web site at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/ETempEmp.pdf for a temporary employment application.

Your Elected Representatives

To find your elected representatives, visit the Registrar of Voters Web site at www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Edistrict_query.asp.

Voter Resources on the Web

This information is provided as a public service by the City of Escondido. The City is not responsible for any information that may appear on these Web sites.

• County of San Diego Registrar of Voters – This site has information about local (City and County) items on the ballot, an online form for registering to vote, and resources regarding other election issues, elected representatives and reports, etc. www.sdvote.com
  
  
• California Secretary of State/Elections – This site allows you to complete an online form to register to vote and carries information related to State election issues. www.ss.ca.gov
  
  
• Smart Voter – This organization provides nonpartisan information about issues and candidates on the ballot.
  www.smartvoter.org
  
  
• League of Women Voters – The League of Women Voters Web site is a source for upcoming election information.
  www.lwv.org