5-13/140.00 Inmate Voting

Inmates may vote using the "California Voter Registration Application" and the "California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application" forms while incarcerated. Inmates may request the forms by completing an Inmate Request Form (SH-J-437).

"California Voter Registration Application" Form

The completed "California Voter Registration Application," postage-paid, will be mailed by the inmate to the Registrar-Recorder for processing. The "California Voter Registration Application" must be received or postmarked at least fifteen (15) days before Election Day to be eligible to vote in that election.

Voting Eligibility for Inmates

In order to qualify to register to vote, an inmate must be:

•  a citizen of the United States;
•  a resident of California;
•  18 years of age or older on Election Day;
• not temporarily in County jail while sentenced to a state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony; and
•  not currently found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law.

In addition to the above criteria, persons on probation or inmates may be eligible to vote if they are:

• Under "mandatory supervision" or "post release community supervision"; or
• Serving a sentence in County jail or on probation for a misdemeanor conviction.

The current "Voting While Incarcerated" flier provided by the Registrar-Recorder's office, outlining inmate voter eligibility, shall be posted in all housing locations. The Registrar-Recorder will make the final determination regarding an inmate's eligibility to vote.

"California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application" Form

Any inmate who has registered to vote may also complete a "California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application."

The "California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application," postage-paid, shall be completed by the inmate and mailed to the Registrar-Recorder.

Delivery of Ballots

The Registrar-Recorder's office and facility inmate voting coordinator will arrange the delivery of the "Vote-By-Mail Ballots" and secured ballot boxes to each facility.

Inmates shall be afforded ample time to complete their ballots. The inmate voting coordinator or their designee will ensure the completed "Vote-By-Mail Ballots" are sealed by the inmate and placed into the secured ballot box. "Vote-By-Mail Ballots" shall not be reviewed by custody personnel.

Each facility is responsible for delivering their sealed, secured ballot box to the Registrar-Recorder's office by 1500 hours on Election Day.

Unit commanders shall develop unit orders outlining procedures to inform inmates of their right to register to vote and right to vote in local, primary, general, and special elections.

Each custody facility shall maintain a supply of "California Voter Registration Application" and "California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application" forms. These documents can be obtained in quantity, from:

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 E. Imperial Hwy. Room 3002
Norwalk, CA 90650
Phone: (562) 462-2335