It’s a big year for elections, starting with the presidential primary on March 5. Voting is fast and easy — and it’s your right!
Millennials and Gen Z — people born between 1981 and 1996 — make up nearly half the voting-age population this year. Collectively, younger voters have a tremendous amount of electoral power, but it will only matter if they register and vote! Read on to find out how to participate.
Primary elections determine which presidential candidates represent the various political parties on the ballot in the general election, held in November. California primary voters this March will also select candidates for the U.S. Senate and House, the California state legislature and more. Voters will also be asked to decide on statewide ballot propositions and local measures.
Many of the policy issues that are top of mind for younger voters — climate change, housing, reproductive rights and the economy — could be shaped for years to come by what happens during the primary. It’s that important.
“Voting is a simple task, but it has drastic impact. Whatever your politics, the issues you are passionate about will be affected by this election,” says Vivian Herrera, a student at UC Riverside and the president of UCweVote, the UC Student Association’s get-out-the-vote wing.
“You might feel like your vote doesn’t matter, but it makes a huge difference. From the California budget to presidential policies, the issues at stake in this election will directly affect the experience of UC students.”
How and when to register
Register by Feb. 20, 2024. It takes just five minutes to register or double-check that your registration is current, so you’re ready to cast a ballot.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The final day to register online is February 20. Avoid last-minute stress by doing it ahead of the deadline.
Register now to receive important election information by mail, including the state’s voter guide on the candidates and issues. You’ll also get an optional vote-by-mail ballot, which you can choose to use if that’s more convenient than going to the polls in person.
If you miss the Feb. 20 deadline, you can still vote! California has an option that lets you register and vote by provisional ballot on Election Day, but don’t risk it. Take five minutes to register now, and you’ll be set to make your voice heard.
Already registered or not sure? Check your status. Students move a lot! Make sure your address is current to ensure that you get your mail-in ballot and the voter guide for your district.
UC San Diego’s nonpartisan Student Organized Voter Access Committee registers students on campus.
How and when to vote
Vote by mail … Every registered Californian receives a mail-in ballot they can complete at home and return as soon as they receive it. Just drop it in the mail (no postage required), put it in an official ballot drop box, or bring it to any polling place on or before March 5.
Vote early in person … In California you can vote early, including on weekends at select locations starting Feb. 24. Look up your address to see if early voting is offered in your area.
Or vote at the polls on March 5 … For those who prefer the time-honored tradition of standing in a voting booth to fill out their ballot, the polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Not eligible to vote? There are lots of other ways to take part!
If you aren’t eligible to vote, you can still take an active role in the democratic process by helping your classmates and your community turn out. Contact your local student government organization or office of student life to learn about voter outreach efforts on your campus.
Another way to participate: Help friends and family register to vote. You can also consider being a poll worker: Especially during primary elections, officials often struggle to find volunteers. (And it pays!)
“There are avenues of advocacy for you to get your voice out there even if you’re not eligible to vote,” says Herrera. “Talk with people in your community about the issues that are important to you and how they will shape your future. You can play a key role in encouraging others to get out there and vote.”
