Request Registration/Absentee Ballot

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) registers you to vote and requests absentee ballots for every subsequent Federal election held until the voter fails to return an executed ballot in four consecutive statewide general elections.

You may not need to fill out this entire form. Check out the instructions below to see what information your State requires.

Open Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request

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What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks are required:

Block 1: Select the category that describes you.

Block 2: Enter your political party preference. If you do not wish to provdie a party preference, enter "no party preference." In Presidential elections only, California law allows voters who have declined to provide a party preference to vote a party ballot at a primary election if the political party allows it. Find out which political parties allow this at www.sos.ca.gov. If you want to change your political party preference, submit a completed FPCA indicating your new party preference to the local elections official no later than 15 days before the election.

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Your valid California Driver's License number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers, California shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purpose.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 6: California allows you to receive the blank ballot by mail, email or fax. Some counties also offer downloadable online ballots. Check the county listing at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_mov.htm to see what options your county provides. Please rank your preference of how you would like to receive your absentee ballot. Provide your email address or fax number in Block 5. If you do not make a selection, then your local election official will mail your ballot to you.

Block 7: Complete street address of your California voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Provide complete address where you want your ballot sent, usually where you live now. Provide this information even if you would like to receive your absentee ballot by email or fax.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Mail

You must mail your Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request to your local election official. Find your county or city in the list below to locate your election official.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder.

Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Optional: You may be able to use the Postage-Paid Envelope Template.

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage paid envelope may be used if mailed in the U.S. Postal System, which includes all U.S. Military post offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. embassies/consulates. Affix appropriate postage if using international mail. Template must be printed on a number 10 or larger envelope.

Fax

If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to your local election official (fax numbers can be found on California's State Election website). You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703) 588-2148
DSN 425-2148

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers.

Open Fax Coversheet

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• If you have not received your absentee ballot in a timely manner use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.