Who can vote
FACT: People impacted by the justice system have the right to vote.
Useful Voting Links
California Secretary of State - Voting Rights for Justice System-Impacted people
Los Angeles County Voter Registration Status
Explanation of new Vote By Mail rules from November 2020
Almost everyone in California has the right to vote, including people impacted by the justice system.
You have the right to vote:
On parole
On probation (including supervised release)
Out on bail
In jail awaiting trial or sentencing
In jail on an AB 109 felony
In jail for any misdemeanor
On November 3, 2020 California voters approved Proposition 17 which amended the California Constitution in order to allow those on parole the right to vote, effective immediately.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can pre-register to vote, and your registration will be active once you turn 18!
California youth who pre-register to vote will have their registration become active once they turn 18 years old.
Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is 18. Instead, it allows eligible Californians ages 16 or 17 to complete the online voter registration form providing sufficient time and opportunity to get ready to vote. Please note that if you move to a different address you will need to re-register.
Never registered to vote before? Watch our step-by-step video.
LA Free The Vote: Step by step instructions for filling out the California voter registration form
Note: This video was made prior to passage of Prop 17. Since November 2020, those on parole are eligible to vote.
This training, conducted on January 26, 2021 was hosted by the Office of Diversion and Reentry and the Registrar Recorder's Office. It covers who is eligible to vote, what LA Free the Vote is, and how to fill our or assist someone in filling out a registration form online or in person.