Voting Myths

Listen

Voter Myth #1:

“If I was convicted of a felony, I can never vote again.”

FALSE!

You cannot vote while imprisoned and while on parole. However, your voting rights are reinstated once you are off parole.

Voter Myth #2:

“I did not vote in the last election. Now I need to reregister.”

FALSE!

You are registered for as long as you remain at the same address, and you should continue to receive election materials in the mail. However, if you have not voted in the last several elections, you may be sent a request to confirm that you have not moved, and your registration may be eventually canceled.

Voter Myth #3:

“It’s difficult to find time to vote because of work.”

The voting polls are open for 13 hours on Election Day, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Voter Myth #4:

“When I register to vote, the Secretary of State’s Office will share my personal information.”

FALSE!

While the Secretary of State’s Office compiles voter statistics, it does not compile them by race, age or gender. You may wish to contact the California Field Poll in San Francisco or some other political research organization for estimates of this type.

Voter Myth #5:

“I must be 18 at time of voter registration.”

FALSE!

You must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election, but not on the day of registration.