Ballot Basics
When will I receive my ballot?
Registered Voters receive ballots in the mail
All registered voters in Oakland will be sent a Vote by Mail ballot. The ballots will be mailed to voters starting the week of March 17, 2025.
How do I return my ballot?
Option 1: Mailing your ballot
All California vote-by-mail ballots include a return envelope with prepaid postage. After you have filled out your vote-by-mail ballot, place it in the return envelope, seal the envelope, sign on the designated line, and put it into a mailbox. It MUST be postmarked by April 15, 2025.
Option 2: Dropping off your ballot
(Recommended after April 12, 2025)
Fill out your vote-by-mail ballot, place it in the return envelope, seal the envelope, sign on the designated line, and put it into a secure drop box or deliver it to a vote center between April 5 and April 15, 2025, by 8:00 p.m.
How do I know my ballot was received?
Tracking your ballot
The California Secretary of State offers a way for voters to track and receive notifications on the status of their vote-by-mail ballot. Where’s My Ballot? lets voters know where their ballot is, and its status, every step of the way.
Ballot Backups
Replacement Ballots
Apply for a second ballot
If you failed to receive your vote-by-mail ballot or you have lost or destroyed your original ballot, contact your county elections official in order to be sent a second vote-by-mail ballot.
Late Vote-by-Mail Ballot Application
If you failed to receive your vote-by-mail ballot or you have lost or destroyed your original vote-by-mail ballot, and you are unable to vote in person at the polls, you may apply in writing for a late vote-by-mail ballot. This application will need to be provided in person to the county elections official by you or your representative.
Once you mark your ballot, fill out and sign the return envelope, you can personally or through your authorized representative, submit your ballot either to your elections official or any polling place within your jurisdiction.
Vote in Person
When Where and How
When will voting in person be available?
From April 5th to April 15th (Election Day)
Where can I vote in person?
Find your nearest vote center HERE.
What do I need to bring?
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If you've voted in California before you don't need to show ID.
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If you're a first time voter in a federal election who registered by mail, and didn't include your driver's license number, California ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on your registration, you may be asked to provide ID when you vote. Acceptable forms include:
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copy of a recent utility bill
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sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office or another document sent to you by a government agency
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US passport
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driver license
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official state identification card
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student identification card showing your name and photograph
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Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.