California's Voter Bill of Rights lists what every voter is entitled to at the polls. It is posted on the Secretary of State's website and by county elections offices such as Contra Costa's. Here's what each right means in practice.

1. You can vote if you're registered

You're eligible if you are a U.S. citizen living in California, at least 18, registered where you currently live, not serving a state or federal prison term for a felony, and not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

2. Your name is missing? You still vote

If you're registered but your name isn't on the list, you can vote with a provisional ballot. It counts once officials confirm you're eligible. See how provisional ballots are counted.

3. In line at 8 p.m.? Stay put

If you're in line when polls close, you have the right to vote.

4. A secret ballot

You can vote without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote. For what's banned near polling places, see our 100-foot rule guide.

5. A new ballot if you make a mistake

As long as you haven't cast it, you can ask a poll worker for a new ballot, trade your mail ballot for a new one at an elections office or polling place, or vote provisionally.

6. Help from someone you choose

Anyone can help you cast your ballot except your employer or union representative.

7. Drop off your mail ballot at a polling place

The state version says you can drop off your completed mail ballot at any polling place in California. Contra Costa's version says any polling place in the county.

8. Materials in your language

You can get election materials in a language other than English if enough people in your precinct speak it.

9. Ask questions and watch

You can ask elections officials about procedures and watch the process. If they can't answer, they must send you to someone who can. They may stop answering if you are disruptive.

10. Report wrongdoing

You can report illegal or fraudulent election activity to an elections official or the Secretary of State's office. The Secretary of State runs a confidential, toll-free voter hotline for reports that your rights were denied. Look it up on sos.ca.gov, or contact your county elections office.

Also protected: your data

The Secretary of State says commercial use of voter registration information is a misdemeanor. Your driver's license number, Social Security number and signature cannot be released to campaigns, researchers or journalists.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.

More races and measures: our 2026 election hub.