October 22 is the last day for eligible voters to file a new or updated voter registration card to be entitled to vote in the November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election.
For the first time, eligible voters can register online at http://registertovote.ca.gov/
While voters may still register to vote by filling out a voter registration card, the San Mateo County Elections Division urges individuals to take advantage of online registration. Eligible voters will directly input their information online, avoiding human error on the spelling of names or addresses. Accordingly, online voter registration is expected to be more accurate and efficient.
Voter registration cards are available at the San Mateo County Elections Division (directions and hours), as well as at any public library, city hall, or office of the U.S. Postal Service or Department of Motor Vehicles. A mailed registration card that is postmarked on or before October 22 will satisfy the deadline.
To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be:
(1) A U.S. Citizen;
(2) At least 18 years old by Election Day;
(3) Not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction; and
(4) Not deemed by a court to be mentally incompetent to register and to vote.
Further, registered voters must re-register whenever they have
(1) Moved to a new address, or
(2) Changed their name, or
(3) Desire to change political party affiliation.
The website of the San Mateo County Elections Division provides the latest registration statistics, updated weekly: https://www.shapethefuture.org/voterregistration/registrationstats.asp.
The website also contains a link that allows eligible and registered voters to confirm their current registration status. To do so, go to the home page and click on “Check My Registration/Access My Election Materials/View My Sample Ballot Pamphlet.”
