This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

How to Register to Vote in Palo Alto

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, we're giving you all the information you need on how and where to register to vote.

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, get it off your to-do list now.

Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day, and thousands of local, state and national organizations have mobilized to make sure millions of people don’t miss the chance to cast their vote in this year’s elections.

Six million people didn’t vote in the 2008 elections because they either did not know how to register or because they missed the voter registration deadline.

The voter registration deadline for California is Oct. 22. 

To vote in California, you must be:

  • At least 18 years old by election day
  • A U.S. Citizen
  • A California resident
  • Not in prison or on parole for a felony
  • Not declared mentally incompetent by court action

You should register or re-register if you:

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Have never registered in California
  • Have moved since you last registered
  • Have changed your name since registering
  • Wish to change your party affiliation
  • Are an ex-felon who has completed parole

Here’s information on how you can register in time for the Nov. 6 elections:

  • Forms are available at: Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters 1555 Berger Dr., #A, 95112
  • P.O. Box 1147, San Jose, CA 95108
  • (408) 299-VOTE (8683), or Toll free (866) 430-VOTE (8683) Monday-Friday 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
  • or download a form here.

To reach the ROV bilingual staff, call:

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Spanish: (408) 282-3095
  • Vietnamese: (408) 282-3097
  • Chinese: (408) 282-3086
  • Tagalog: (408) 282-3089

Registration Forms are also available at:

  • Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Post Offices
  • Libraries
  • City Clerks' Offices.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

Your precinct number and the address of your polling place appear on the back of your sample ballot. Ordinarily, polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. on election day.

-- Information provided by League of Women Voters of Palo Alto

Don't miss news that's important to you Subscribe to our daily newsletter.

Get our daily newsletter | Like us on Facebook |Blog for us | Follow us on Twitter|

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?