Many experts believe the outcome of the presidential election could largely be shaped by a wave of first time voters. Ian Cull reports.
With Election Day approaching, planning how you will vote is an important step in making sure your vote counts. Here's a breakdown of important dates to monitor, Election Day information, and what to know about California propositions.
Important Nov. 5 general election dates
- Last day to registers is Oct. 21
- Registered voters will get a vote-by-mail ballot. County elections office will begin mailing ballots by Oct. 7
- Ballot drop-off locations open Oct. 8
- Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter's Choice Act counties starting Oct. 26
- Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12
Plan Your Vote
Use NBC News' Plan Your Vote tool to supplement our voter guide and for more information on early voting, mail-in voting rules, Election Day voting rules, voter ID requirements, key-races in your state and more.
How to track your ballot
The California Secretary of State's office says voters can track a ballot they have mailed or submitted at a drop-off location by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive text, email, or voice status alerts.
How long are polls open on Nov. 5 Election Day?
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Find your Bay Area county election office
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- Alameda County: Call 800-834-6454 or visit acvote.org.
- Contra Costa County: Call 925-335-7800 or visit contracostavote.gov/
- Marin County: Call 415-473-6456 or visit marinvotes.org
- Napa County: Call 707-253-4321 or visit countyofnapa.org
- San Francisco County: Call 415-554-4375 or visit sfelections.gov
- San Mateo County: Call 650-312-5222 or visit smcacre.org
- Santa Clara County: Call 408-299-8683 or visit sccvote.org
- Solano County: 707-784-6675 or visit solanocounty.com
- Sonoma County: 707-565-6800 or visit sonoma-county.org
What are the California propositions on the November ballot?
California voters will see 10 propositions on their ballot:
- Proposition 2: Authorizes bonds for public school and community college facilities.
- Proposition 3: Constitutional right to marriage.
- Proposition 4: Authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.
- Proposition 5: Allows Local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval.
- Proposition 6: Eliminates constitutional provision allowing involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons.
- Proposition 32: Raises minimum wage.
- Proposition 33: Expands local governments' authority to enact rent control on residential property.
- Proposition 34: Restricts spending of prescription drug revenues by certain health care providers.
- Proposition 35: Provides permanent funding for Medi-Cal health care services.
- Proposition 36: Allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes.
How to serve as a poll worker
If you're interested in serving as a poll worker, visit pollworker.sos.ca.gov to apply.
