Do Californians Need An ID To Vote? What To Know.

CALIFORNIA — The election that will decide the fate of a slew of consequential ballot measures in California and the next president of the U.S. is coming up on Nov. 5. As seasoned and first-time voters head to the polls, it's important to know what will and won't be required of you.

If you're unsure whether you'll need to bring your identification to the polls this election, you probably aren't alone.

On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1174, which prohibits local governments from requiring voters to bring their ID when casting their ballots. Before Newsom signed that bill, California law had allowed residents to vote without identification — but there was some ambiguity about whether cities had the authority to impose stricter rules. The new law followed squabbles between Huntington Beach and the state over election procedures and leftover disagreements over the results of the 2020 general election.

Earlier this year, Huntington Beach said it would require locals to vote with their ID amid widespread and unverified fears among Republicans that the 2020 election was stolen — an issue the state sued the city over.

Democrats Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber argue that that requirement is unnecessary and could disenfranchise voters.

"This voter ID measure conflicts with state law," Weber said. "Not only is it a solution in search of a problem, laws like these are harmful to California voters, especially low-income, the elderly, people of color, those with disabilities, and young voters."

SB 1174, authored by Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine), sought to strengthen existing law by banning local cities and counties from requiring voters to present their IDs at the polls.

However, there is one exception — first-time voters will have to show their identification (sort of).

If you are voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail and you did not provide your driver's license number, California ID number or the last four digits of your social security number on your registration form, you may asked to show a form of ID when you arrive at the polls, Weber's office said.

If this is the case, bring a form of ID with you or include a copy of it with your vote-by-mail ballot.

Here are acceptable forms of identification that you may bring:

• A copy of a recent utility bill
• The sample ballot booklet you got from your county elections office
• Another document sent to you by a government agency
• Passport
• Driver license
• State ID card
• Student ID card showing name and photo

Check out this list of forms of voter identification that you can use at a polling place here.

While the hottest race on the ballot is the presidential election — pitting Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald J. Trump — there are plenty of races and measures to watch in California. Check out this roundup on consequential propositions here. And you can read about the state's most contentious senate contest here.

When is Election Day?

Election Day is Nov. 5

Can I vote early?

Yes, Californians are allowed to begin voting almost a month before the general election.

When will I get my vote-by-mail ballot?

Most active registered voters already have their ballots as they were mailed out on Oct. 7. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 8, and ballots returned at a designated ballot drop box must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Where can I find my polling place?

Search for the closest ballot box or vote center near you here.

When will the polls open on Election Day?

On Election Day, vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

By when do I need to register to vote?

Californians need to register to vote by Oct. 21 to vote in the Nov. 5 election. You can also register in person on Election Day for a conditional ballot.

How can I check if my address is correct or if I am registered to vote?

Visit this link.