The first step to take in order to vote is to get registered! Being registered and having an up to date registration means having a quicker and more efficient voting experience.


Who can Register to Vote in Kern County?

You can register to vote in Kern County if you are all of the following:

  • You are a United States citizen.
  • You are a Kern County resident.
  • You will be 18 years old by the next election.
  • You are not found by a court to be mentally incompetent. For more information, click on the link below.

    Persons Subject to Conservatorship
  • You are not serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony. For more information, click on the link below.

    Voting Rights: Person with a Criminal History

Where can I Register to Vote?

There are a number of different ways to register if you meet the qualifications. You can do one of the following:

  • Register Online. It is the fastest and easiest way to register.

    To Register to Vote, click on the link below.

    Register to Vote
  • Pick up a form in person. You can go to any of the following locations in Kern County:
    • Fire Stations
    • U.S. Post Offices
    • DMV Offices
    • Public Libraries
    • Location

      Kern County Elections Division
      1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st floor
      Bakersfield, CA. 93301-4639


When do I have to be Registered by?

The deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days before Election Day. Please register early!

You can still register to vote in the 14 days before and through Election Day. This is called Conditional Voter Registration (CVR). The CVR process can be lengthy, so please try to register before Election Day.

For more information on Conditional Voter Registration, click on the link below.

Conditional Voter Registration

What are the Legal Requirements for the Process of Assisting Others Registering to Vote?

For more information, click on the link below.

Secretary of State guidelines

What Happens after I have Registered to Vote?

  1. You will receive a Voter Notification Card in a few weeks from the Elections Office. Confirm that the information on the registration card is correct.
  2. The Elections Office will send you a voter pamphlet a few weeks before the election.
  3. Read the voter pamphlet carefully. Ask questions to learn and make knowledgeable decisions! Mark your voter pamphlet.
  4. Take the voter pamphlet with you into the voting booth at your polling place on Election Day to save time.

How do I get Involved with Voter Registration Drives?

If you want to help your community and are interested in getting people registered to vote, click on the link(s) below for Guidelines and Statement of Distribution form.

Secretary of State guidelines

Statement of Distribution Form