Elections

Important Deadlines for Nov. 8 Election

Reading Time: 2 minutes

You have only one more week to register to vote in the Nov. 8 presidential general election.

“If you’ve moved recently or changed your name you’ll need to fill out a new registration form,” said Registrar of Voters Michael Vu. “If you go online, the process is quick, easy and convenient.”

If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, check online at the Registrar of Voters’ site at sdvote.com. The online form is provided in English, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese.

There are two important deadlines that are approaching:

  • Monday, Oct. 24 – Deadline to register. Residents can fill out a registration form at sdvote.com, and if their signature is confirmed through Department of Motor Vehicles records, it will automatically be sent to the Registrar. If the signature is not confirmed, the voter will be instructed to print the form, sign it and mail it to the Registrar. For voters without access to a computer, the forms are also available at the Registrar of Voters office, US Postal Service offices, City Clerk offices, public libraries and Department of Motor Vehicles offices. All forms must be postmarked or delivered to the Registrar of Voters no later than Oct. 24. You may register to vote online up until midnight and the Registrar’s office will be open until 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 1 – Deadline to apply for a mail ballot. Voters can find the application online at sdvote.com or on the back of their sample ballot and voter information pamphlet sent to each registered voter. You can also request a mail ballot by sending a letter to the Registrar of Voters with your name, registered address, the name and date of the election, the address where the ballot is to be mailed and your signature. Send forms to Registrar of Voters, 5600 Overland Ave., San Diego, 92123 or fax them to (858) 694-2955. As a third option, registered voters can request a mail ballot by phone at (858) 565-5800. The request applies only to the Nov. 8 election and the call must be made by the registered voter. All applications must be in house at the Registrar’s office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1. Postmarks cannot be accepted. Voters who are already signed up to vote permanently by mail do not need to reapply.

For voters who need language assistance, election materials are also available in Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese.

To learn more about the Nov. 8 election, call (858) 565-5800 or visit sdvote.com.

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact