November 6, 2019 - SACRAMENTO, CA – In one year, Californians will vote for US President, US House of Representatives, and State Legislative contests at the November 3, 2020 General Election.
“We are one year out from the 2020 General Election, but Californians should not wait to prepare for next year’s historic elections,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “California’s March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary is only 121 days away—voters should verify their registration status today. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or want to update your political party, you will need to re-register to vote. Elections officials are preparing for high turnout in 2020, so every citizen should be registered and ready to go with a plan to vote well before the polls open.”
Californians can prepare for the 2020 Elections by confirming that their registration—including political party—is up to date at VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov. California citizens who need to update their voter registration or register for the first time can do so at RegisterToVote.ca.gov.
Importance of Political Party Registration for March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary
Voters registered with a political party can only vote for that party’s presidential candidates in a primary election. These voters must re-register to vote if they wish to vote in another party’s presidential primary election.
Californians who are registered to vote with No Party Preference may request an American Independent Party, Democratic Party, or Libertarian Party presidential primary ballot. This is a process known as ‘crossover voting.’ If a No Party Preference voter does not request a crossover ballot, they will receive a primary election ballot without any presidential candidates listed.
Key Dates and Deadlines for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary
Certified List of Candidates: December 26, 2019
Voter Information Guide Mailing Period: January 23 – February 11, 2020
Vote-By-Mail Ballot Mailing Period: February 3 – February 25, 2020
Expanded list of Key Dates and Deadlines
Source: CA. SOS
