Voter Information and Resources

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How do I register to vote?

  • Online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov
  • By paper registration, available at libraries, post offices, city halls, or the Monterey County Elections Office. A paper form can also be mailed upon request by calling (831) 796-1499.  

 Whether you are registering to vote in Carmel-by-the-Sea for the first time, or updating your voter residence address, go to RegisterToVote.ca.gov and click on “Register to Vote Now”, then enter your newly assigned residential address in the Home Address field, and enter your P.O. Box in the Mailing Address field. 

What’s the difference between my residence and mailing address for voter registration?

Both residential and mailing addresses are essential parts to your voter registration record. 

  • Your residential address tells us where you live for voting purposes.
  • Your mailing address tells us where to send your ballot and all election-related mail.

Continue to list your P.O. Box as your separate mailing address in the Mailing Address field when registering or updating your voter record.

How do I check my voter registration status?

Check your voter registration status online at the Secretary of State’s voter registration status website, or by calling Monterey County Elections at (831) 796-1499.

How will I receive my ballot?

All registered voters in Carmel-by-the-Sea will be mailed a ballot to your mailing address, which is your P.O. Box. You don’t have to request a mail ballot. Ballots and local voter information guides for Monterey County will be mailed to registered voters at least 30 days before the election date.

Sign up for Where’s My Ballot? to track when it’s been mailed, received and counted.

Will I still receive my vote-by-mail ballot if I haven’t updated my new street address yet?

Yes. Monterey County Elections has confirmed that currently registered Carmel-By-The-Sea voters will still receive their vote-by-mail ballots at the P.O. Box already listed as their mailing address, even if they have not yet updated their residential address.

Updating your new street address is not required before Election Day in order for your ballot to be mailed to you. Please refer to this FAQ page for more information. 

Where do I vote?

You can vote by mail, ballot drop box, or in-person. Details on in-person voting and early voting options are available on the Monterey County Elections page. 

In-person voting locations for the November 3, 2026 election beginning October 5th through election day: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/elections/early-vote-locations

What’s on my ballot?

Have questions about what’s on your ballot? Try these resources:

More questions?