Frequently Asked Questions About Voting

FAQs and Answers

For resources to help you become an informed voter, see our main De Anza Votes webpage.

These FAQs apply to the last statewide election in 2022. This page will be updated for the next statewide election in early 2024. Please check back here. 

• What is this election about?

  California will hold a statewide election on Nov. 8, with contests for state offices, ballot measures and local issues.

• When is Election Day?

  Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

• How can I register to vote? 

  You may register online or by mailing a completed Voter Registration Form to your local elections office. Forms are available at public libraries, city and county offices, Department of Motor Vehicles offices and U.S. Post Offices or call the office of the California Secretary of State at 800.345.VOTE (8683) to have a form mailed to you.

• What's different about voting this year?

  Under rules adopted because of the coronavirus pandemic, all California voters will be able to vote by mail in this election. Election officials will be sending a mailable ballot to all registered voters, beginning in October.

  You'll then have three ways to vote:

  • Mail in your ballot as soon as you fill it out – but no later than Election Day. (Postage is free.)
  • Drop off your ballot at a county drop box, as soon as you fill it out – but no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day
  • Visit any Vote Center in your county
    • You no longer have to vote in the precinct where you live.
    • Vote Centers will close at 8 p.m. on Election Day

• How do I find a drop box or Vote Center?

  Under the new system, your old polling place may not be open on Election Day. But you can find the nearest Vote Center or drop box by checking with the Registrar of Voters for your county. If you live in Santa Clara County, use these online tools 

  • Find Vote Center
  • Find Ballot Drop Off 

• What if I don't know if I'm registered?

  You can check online to see if you are registered.

• What if I don't receive a ballot in the mail? 

  If you are registered and you don't receive your ballot in the mail, visit the nearest Vote Center or call your county Registrar of Voters. The number for Santa Clara County is 408.299-VOTE (8683) or you can call toll-free: 866.430.VOTE (8683).  

• I moved since I last registered. Do I need to re-register? 

  Yes. If you have a new home address, you need to register at this new residence. If the deadline has passed to register in the place where you now live, you can still request a conditional ballot. 

• When is the last day I can register? 

  The deadline to register online is Oct. 24, 2022. But you can still register and cast a conditional ballot at any Vote Center, any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  

• When will the polls be open on Election Day?

  Under the new system, your old polling place may not be open this year. But you can visit any Vote Center in your county. These will be open on Election Day from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (Some may be open for up to ten days before Election Day.)

• Where is my polling place? 

  You can visit any Vote Center in your county to drop off the ballot you received in the mail.

• How do I get a bilingual ballot?

  If you didn't receive a bilingual ballot in the mail, you can visit any Vote Center in your county or call your county Registrar of Voters. The number for Santa Clara County is 408.299-VOTE (8683) or you can call toll-free: 866.430.VOTE (8683). 

• How can I obtain an absentee ballot? 

  You don't need to request one. You can use the ballot you receive in the mail and either mail it in or drop it off any time before Election Day.

• What if I show up to vote and my name is not on the list? 

  You can register to vote that day with a conditional ballot. You should be able to do this at any Vote Center in your county.

• Can I vote online?

  Nope. You still have to fill out the printed ballot and drop it off or mail it in.