Yet another election is upon San Diego voters. As you look over your ballot, you may have some questions. So, NBC 7 put together this guide answering some of the most common election-related questions to prepare you to vote in California's 2022 General Election.
Here's what you should know:
When is the 2022 General Election in California?
Election Day for the 2022 California General Election is on Nov. 8, 2022.
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Can I vote early?
Early voting is already underway in San Diego County. Voters have the option of submitting their ballots early by either using drop boxes across the county (times vary by location) or by voting at an official Vote Center, hundreds of which will open Oct. 29 through election day.
Decision 2022
What is a Midterm Election?
This year's November general election is considered a midterm election. In the United States, Presidential elections are held every four years but other offices, like the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, have candidates that may need to be elected in off-years because their terms are six and two years long respectively. For those offices, midterm elections are held two years into a president's election.
Am I registered to vote?
If you think you may have registered to vote before, or want to make changes to your voting preferences, check your registration status here.
If you've recently moved or changed your name, you must re-register to vote by completing a new voter registration form.
Oct. 24 was the last day to register online or by mail to vote in the state of California. But, if you missed the deadline, not to worry. There is still a way to vote in the Nov. 8 election. (We'll explain that next).
Can I still register to vote?
Luckily, for those that miss out on registering to vote during the window, the state of California allows residents to register using what's called conditional voter registration up until and on Election Day, but it must be done in person.
To register to vote, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A California resident
- At least 18 years old on or before the next election
- Not in state or federal prison for a felony conviction
- Not declared mentally incompetent by court action
If you meet the criteria, go to the Registrar's office at 5600 Overland Ave., San Diego, or any vote center to register and to vote using a provisional ballot. Rest assured, your vote will still be counted once you've been verified as a registered voter.
You will also be registered to vote in any future elections.
Can I vote in person this year?
Yes, and not just on Election Day. In-person voters can vote as early as October 29 at around 200 vote center locations across the county and at the Registrar's Office located at 5600 Overland Ave., San Diego. The polling locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. On Election Day, the voting hours will change from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voters who choose to vote in person can take their vote-by-mail ballots to cast them at a vote center. But if you forget to bring your ballot, the vote center will have electronic ballot marking devices so you can cast your ballot in person. Upon check-in, workers will ensure your mail-in ballot is suspended and your in-person ballot counts.
Note that if you do not bring your mail-in ballot with you, you will be voting on an electronic machine, which prints out a paper ballot to be submitted to poll workers. See what that's like here.
How can I vote by mail?
Every registered voter in California should have received a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2022 General Election and voting by mail is encouraged. (If you haven't yet, click here.)
First, make sure your ballot is ready to go by signing and dating your return envelope and sealing your ballot inside.
Then, drop it in your mailbox or at any blue U.S. Postal Service Collection Box. Use this tool to find one near you.
What if I don't want to send my ballot through the mail?
Not a problem. The San Diego County Registrar of Voters has set up hundreds of secure ballot drop-off locations (including Vote Centers) across the county. Check out the map below to find one near you.
Can I take a selfie with my ballot?
Yes. In California, voters can take photos of their ballot and share it on social media after the state Legislature overturned a law in 2017 that prohibited it. Keep in mind that it is still illegal to take photos or videos of other people voting.
What's on my ballot?
San Diego County registered voters will be asked to vote to on the next class of leaders at the state, regional and city levels. Use the tool below to find who is on your ballot for state and national races.
Find Your California Primary Candidates
Enter an address, city, county or zip code.
Note: The candidate order is randomized. Source: California Secretary of State
Amy O’Kruk/NBC
And, to find your districts and what candidates are on your ballot locally, Use this tool from the San Diego County Registrar's office to get a sample ballot specific to your voting address.
Also on the ballot are a handful of statewide and local propositions. Take a look at the statewide ballot measures here:
Here are the top five races NBC 7 thinks San Diego County voters should keep an eye on this Primary Election. Check out all NBC 7's election coverage here.
