Same-day voter registration: How to register and vote on November 3 for US midterm elections in California and other states

The mid-term elections are set o be held in the United States on November 3. In almost all states, except North Dakota, voters are required to be registered to be eligible to vote. The deadline to register online for the November 3 general election was October 19. However, there is a provision in the US that allows voters to register even on the Election Day. Known as same-day voter registration or , Election Day registration, the provision is available in more than 20 states and allows eligible residents to register and cast their ballots even on Election Day. In California, the process is called conditional voter registration.

Who is eligible for same-day voter registration in California?

To register and vote on the same day in California, one needs to be a US citizen and a resident of California. They must be of at least 18 years old on Election Day and not be currently serving a state or federal prison sentence for a felony conviction. Another condition includes that the indiviual must not have been declared mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

Eligible voters can complete conditional voter registration at polling places, vote centres or county elections offices during the 14 days leading up to an election, including on Election Day. Anyone who has changed their name, address or political party affiliation must also update their voter registration.


In-person voting centres in California are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the days leading up to Election Day. On November 3, polling locations will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How does conditional voter registration work?

People who register through the same-day process receive a provisional ballot. As per California elections authorities: "With same-day registration, you are 'conditionally' registered to vote and your ballot is provisional."

Election officials must first verify that the individual is eligible to vote in that county and has not already voted in the election. Until the verification is complete, the provisional ballot is kept separately in a special envelope. It is counted only after election officials confirm the voter's eligibility.

Which other US states allow same-day voter registration?

California is among more than 20 states that offer some form of same-day voter registration. However, the rules and procedures vary by state.

States such as Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota allow eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day. Wisconsin and Virginia also have provisions that let voters complete registration and cast their ballots on the same day.

Virginia introduced its same-day voter registration provision in 2022, allowing eligible residents to register and vote during the same visit.

The documentation required also differs across states. While some jurisdictions require voters to provide identification or proof of residence, others have different procedures for verifying eligibility and residency.

Voters should check with their state or local election offices for information about registration locations, operating hours and the documents they need to carry.

Same-day voter registration provides an additional opportunity for eligible citizens who miss the regular registration deadline to participate in elections. However, voters should familiarise themselves with their state's requirements to ensure their registration is verified and their ballots are counted.