Unless you live in a cave, you probably noticed a big election season happening right now. Elections are happening up and down the ticket, from the President of the United States to local boards and city councils. No matter which direction you lean in your political beliefs, it’s time to let your voice be heard loud and clear. I always figure if you don’t vote, you can’t complain, so make sure you can gripe if it doesn’t go your way!

California registered voters should already have received your mail-in ballots. You can check your ballot and registration status here.

The last day to register online to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2024.

All registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail ahead of the election, so it is important that you note the correct mailing address when registering!

You can still register in person if you miss the Oct. 21 deadline for online voter registration. You can head to any vote center or to your County Registrar of Voters office to do so. You can even register to vote on the day of the election! There is no excuse!

Remember, when voting in person, you must go to a vote center in the same county as the address you use to register to vote. If not, your vote will be tossed!

If you are already registered to vote in a different county but want to register to vote in Riverside County — you can do so by using whatever address you currently live in while attending UCR when registering/re-registering to vote. 

You can register to vote in California if you are:

• A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
• 18 years of age or older on Election Day
• Not currently imprisoned or on parole for a felony conviction
• Not found by a court to be mentally incompetent to vote

Did you know you can vote in person right here on campus? UCR is hosting a Vote Center at the Alumni & Visitors Center.

• Nov. 2–4: from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

UCR has a wealth of voter information and resources available here. Be sure to take some time to check it out and get informed. 

California Permanent Residents and International Students are not eligible to vote in the US. However, many places allow you to vote even if you do not live in your home country. Please check with your home country to learn more about voting opportunities! 

Scotty thanks you for voting, and so do I!