How to Pre-Register to Vote & Info on the Primary Elections

The upcoming Presidential election on November 5, 2024 marks the first voting opportunity for some high school seniors. However, the primary election, which is approaching even sooner on March 5, is just as important. Additionally, although most Valencia students may not be eligible to vote until the 2028 election, pre-registering is a proactive step to ensure readiness for future elections. Here's essential information about the upcoming primary election and tips on preparing yourself for the election year.

What are primary elections?

Primaries serve as the electoral process where political parties choose their candidates for the general election. Following the primaries, candidates from each party compete against one another in the general election. In the primaries, you vote for the presidential candidates and senators/representatives. With Joe Biden currently serving as the president and seeking re-election, voters are turning their attention to the Republican party. In current polls, former-president Donald Trump leads the party, with Nikki Haley emerging as the second most favored candidate for the presidential election. The full list of candidates on the primary ballot can be found here. 

How are primary elections conducted?

California’s primary elections are conducted in one of two ways: 

• Closed presidential primary - Only voters who express a preference for a particular party on their voter registration are eligible to vote for the presidential nominee of that specific party.

• Modified-closed presidential primary - A party also permits voters who haven't declared a party preference to cast their vote for the presidential nominee of that party.

How do I pre-register to vote?

If you are under the age of 18 you could be eligible to pre-register to vote and your registration will become active the day you turn 18. This allows you to be more prepared to participate in your first election. To pre-register in California, you need to be 16 or 17 years old, a resident of both the United States and California, not serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction, and not currently declared mentally incompetent to vote by a court. Here are the steps to pre-register:

1. Visit registertovote.ca.gov

2. Click on the “Pre-register to vote” button and fill in your information.

3. You’re done! Once you turn 18, you are ready to cast your ballot. 

It is extremely important that your voice is heard during the 2024 election, so don’t wait to register/pre-register to vote if you are eligible!