California Voter Registration Deadline Closes Monday, But Same-Day Options Remain for Nov. 4 Special Election

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, marks the final day for Californians to register to vote and receive a mail ballot for the Nov. 4 statewide special election, but residents who miss the deadline can still vote through the state’s Same Day Voter Registration system.

Known officially as Conditional Voter Registration, the system allows eligible voters to register and cast a provisional ballot from Oct. 21 through Election Day. Voters can complete the process at county elections offices, vote centers, or polling places. The process requires voters to fill out a paper or online registration form, receive a provisional ballot, cast it in a special provisional envelope, and have their eligibility verified by the county before the ballot is counted.

The special election centers on Proposition 50, a proposed constitutional amendment that would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting process in response to Texas’s partisan redistricting. If approved, the measure would authorize legislatively drawn congressional district maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. California would return to its Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2031.

To vote, individuals must be U.S. citizens, California residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, not currently serving a felony sentence in state or federal prison, and not found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

All active registered voters were mailed ballots beginning Oct. 6. Voters who haven’t received theirs may request a replacement by Oct. 28. Ballots can be returned by mail (postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by Nov. 12), dropped at official ballot boxes, or submitted in person at vote centers. Voters may also sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” to receive text, email, or voice notifications about their ballot status.

Pasadena voters have access to eight 24/7 ballot drop boxes through 8 p.m. on Election Day, including locations at Pasadena City Hall, Victory Park, and the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Early in-person voting began Oct. 7 at county elections offices. Additional vote centers in Voter’s Choice Act counties, including Los Angeles County, opened Oct. 25. Pasadena locations include Pasadena City College, Villa Parke Community Center, and several local churches. Vote centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 3, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters in Los Angeles County may cast ballots at any vote center countywide. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4 will be allowed to vote. No eligible voter will be turned away.

Key dates include:

• Oct. 21–Nov. 4: Conditional Voter Registration period
• Oct. 28: Deadline to request a replacement mail ballot
• Nov. 4: Election Day (7 a.m.–8 p.m.)
• Nov. 12: Final day for mail ballots postmarked by Nov. 4 to be received
• Dec. 2: Official canvass completion and results certification

For voter status, ballot tracking, and location tools, residents can visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov, caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov, or lavote.gov..