How could I switch voting districts?

Question

So, I live in San Francisco but I am registered to vote in Santa Clara (I registered when I was 18, about 2 years ago before I moved. I am a college student and it is where my parents live.). I want to vote in the upcoming 2008 election, but I don't know how to switch voting areas so that I could cast my vote in SF rather than in Santa Clara. And I can't go down to Santa Clara just to vote and I don't know how to vote absentee or anything.

Does anyone know where or a site where I can switch my registration from one county to another? Or what you would do if it was your problem, even if you don't live in California. Thanks!

Answer 1

Instructions, and links to the voter registration form, can be found at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election...

Answer 2

I would go to the local county courthouse and ask for directions to the election board.

Answer 3

Straccia...

Some states allow individuals to register at the polls on election day (even if they are previously registered in another city or state).  California, unfortunately, is not one of them.  This means you must register in advance.  I have located a website (link below) that explains how to do this and answers a number of other questions regarding voting in California.  I found it very informative.

Here is what the website says about how to register if you have moved from one county to another:

How do I register to vote?

To register, you'll need to complete a voter registration form, sometimes called an affidavit. There are many ways to get the form:

- pick up a form in person at any number of public offices (library, DMV, post office, county election office, city clerk, etc.)



- call 1-800-345-VOTE to request a form be mailed to you

- call your county election office to request a form be mailed to you

- download a form in English or Spanish from the Secretary of State's web site

-fill out the online registration form at the Secretary of State's web site (it will be printed and mailed to you for your signature)

Additionally, many campaigns and political parties send out staff and volunteers to register voters at malls and other public places. You may request a voter registration form from these people too. The law requires them to supply you with a form regardless of which political party you want to register with, so don't be misled by signs that say "Republicans Register Here" or "Democrats Register Here". You can also register to vote when you renew your driver's license with the DMV. The deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 18th. Your form must be signed, dated and postmarked by that deadline.

I hope you find this helpful.