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Register to Vote

Registering to vote is vital to supporting Democratic Party candidates. You may register by mailing a completed Voter Registration Form to the San Mateo County Elections office. Forms are available at public libraries, city and county offices, California Department of Motor Vehicles offices, at U.S. Post Offices or by downloading the voter registration form. You may also call the San Mateo County elections office at 650-312-5222 to receive a voter registration form by mail.

You must register to vote no later than October 20, 2008 to be able to vote in the November 4, 2008 election.

Voter Qualifications

You may register to vote if you meet all of the following requirements:

  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of California
  • At least 18 years of age on or before election day
  • Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony

If you move, change your name, or change your party affiliation, you will need to re-register. You may register at any time, but to be eligible to vote in an upcoming election, your Voter Registration Form must be postmarked no later than 15 days before that election.

Once your registration form is received and processed, you will receive a Voter Notification Card within 3 to 4 weeks indicating that you are now a registered voter.

Absentee Voting

Any registered voter may vote by mail with an absentee ballot.

You may apply for an absentee ballot by:

  • Completing the application on the back cover of your Sample Ballot Pamphlet
  • Completing the absentee ballot application form online
  • Sending a written request for an absentee ballot, which must include the following:
    • Your full name
    • Your residential address in San Mateo County
    • Your mailing address (where you want your ballot sent if that address is different from your residence)
    • Name & date of election you want to receive a ballot for
    • Your signature

    Please mail your request to: Registration & Elections Division 40 Tower Road San Mateo, CA 94402 Attention: Absentee Unit

  • You may also fax your request to (650) 312-5348

The Elections Office must receive all applications no later than seven days before election day. Postmarks do not count.

How to Become A Permanent Absentee Voter

Any voter may become a Permanent Absentee Voter.

To receive an application to become a Permanent Absent Voter, please download and print the permanent absentee voter application form (PDF format). Complete, sign, and mail or fax the application to: Registration & Elections Division 40 Tower Road San Mateo, CA 94402 Attention: Absentee Unit Fax: (650) 312-5348

Once enrolled as a Permanent Absent Voter, you will automatically receive an absentee ballot for elections in which you are entitled to vote. Failure to vote in a statewide election, however, will cancel your Permanent Absent Voter status, but this will not affect your active voter registration status.