voting rights

2024 is a big election year, so it is surprising to some that there are still so many questions about the voting laws here in the Golden State. The qualifications to vote are clearly outlined by the ACLU:

You must be a citizen of the United States.
You have to be at least 18 to vote, although you can pre-register to vote at age 16 or 17.
You cannot be currently deemed mentally incompetent by a court.
You cannot currently be in either a federal or state prison on a felony conviction.

Students and Those Living Abroad

Students or any Californians living away from their traditional homes can register to vote either at their usual home address in California or at the address considered to be their current primary residence.

When in Jail

If you are incarcerated in a California jail on a misdemeanor or are in jail unable to make bail, you are allowed to vote. Make sure you are registered and request an absentee ballot from the county elections office near you.

Convicted Felons

Once you are out of prison, you are automatically entitled to vote, with no action required to regain your voting rights. This is true even for individuals who are serving post-release supervision or probation.

What About Unsheltered Individuals?

For those experiencing homelessness, registration may occur using the location where the person usually resides. It could be a park, street corner, or shelter. The address of a shelter or outreach center is a good one to use because such locations will generally be able to accept election materials on behalf of the unhoused.

Can I Vote by Mail?

Yes, and you can send it through the normal mail service or put it in an election drop box. Someone else is allowed to drop off your ballot on your behalf as long as they are not being paid for the service. Just make sure you fill out the section on your ballot envelope authorizing someone else to drop it off.

Early Ballots

If you are registered, you can vote by mail or vote in person at an early voting location in some counties.

Voting on Election Day

Election day is the second Tuesday in November, and polls are open for 13 hours, from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening. If you are in line by 7:00, you will be allowed to vote, even if you do not get to the ballot box until after 8:00. You must go to the voting location to which you are assigned, which your county elections office can help you determine.

What if My English is Limited?

Some counties provide facsimile or translated ballots in other languages on request. Contact the county clerk in your area prior to election day to see what’s available. You are also allowed to bring an interpreter with you unless the person is your employer or their agent or an agent or officer from your labor union. Continue reading

The year 2020 was a volatile one, and now that it has come to an end, there are high hopes for a better and much more stable 2021. Across the country and in the state of California, new laws and regulations are going to take effect. Some of the new legislation is directly influenced by what we experienced during the pandemic. The world’s new normal includes considerations for COVID as well as other potential strains and viruses that could emerge.

What are the New California Laws for 2021?

The following are some of the new 2021 California laws that have taken effect as of January, 2021:

Every employer who finds out that their employees have been exposed to COVID-19 has 24 hours to tell them.
Choke holds and carotid holds will not be used by law enforcement and are banned.
Parolees who were not able to vote due to their criminal history will now be able to legally vote in California.
Any individual serving time for a felony in a California prison who assisted with fighting the wildfires could have their felony charges expunged when they complete their sentence. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the details of the crime committed. Those who do have the privilege of expungement will have an increased ability to become a professional firefighter.
Companies with greater than 25 employees will have to pay their employees a minimum of $14 per hour, and companies with under 25 employees will have to pay a minimum of $13 per hour.
Every California company must hold the jobs of its employees for up to 12 weeks to allow unpaid leave in the event of a childbirth or family emergency.
Companies that have headquarters in California and that are publicly held must have a director installed from an “underrepresented community.”
Insurance companies must notify their customers about any reduction in coverage and they also must confirm acknowledgment from their customers that they received the updated information. Customers must put their recognition of communications in writing.
Automobile brake pads that have more than 5% of copper materials will no longer be manufactured in the state.
Hospitals must have a stockpile of three months’ worth of personal protective equipment. Hospitals must also make sure that their healthcare workers use the equipment.

Articles Tagged with voting rights

Voting Laws in California

Parolees Able to Vote in California Per Updated 2021 Legislation