2024 High Desert Elections Resources
2024 Elections November 5th
Thank you
for visiting this Website.
This website was created by a consortium of non-profit organizations dedicated to encouraging public engagement in the political process. Our site is non-partisan, meaning we do not endorse any political parties. Our goal is to be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to run for office in the High Desert or those wanting to become well-informed voters.
We strive to keep this website updated with important dates and events. If you have any updates or notice any errors, please reach out to us at support@iamloves.org.
Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in High Desert politics.
Important Dates and Events
Are you registered to Vote?
If you don't remeber its better to check.
Register to Vote
Quick and easy Online
This training series was made possible by these fine organizations
Professional Training Series
So you want to Run For Office
- State compliance
- Fundraising 101
- Finance & budgeting
- Financial team
- Compliance
- Understanding the personal commitment, family buy-in
- The why, goals
- Which office would suit those goals
- Framing your message (elevator pitch, core issues that they hope to address, build talking points on issues that are important to voters)
- Political endorsements (practice writing an endorsement letter/request)
- Community engagement
- Understanding voter issues, do you know what’s going on in your own community
- Do those concerns fall under that specific jurisdiction and/or office that you are running for.
- Phone banking
- Canvassing
- Texting
- Events & relational organizing
- Crisis PR
- Social media digital ads
- Mailers
HELP
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people in the United States do not vote for various reasons, ranging from personal disengagement to systemic barriers. Some feel disconnected from the political process, believing their vote won’t make a difference, or they’re dissatisfied with the candidates and parties. Others may face logistical challenges like conflicting work schedules, lack of transportation, or difficulties accessing polling locations. Voter suppression tactics, such as strict ID laws or limited polling stations in certain areas, can also deter participation. Additionally, a lack of education about the voting process and eligibility can prevent individuals from feeling empowered to vote.
Voting in the United States is a fundamental way to participate in democracy and shape the future of the country. Every vote contributes to decisions that affect critical areas like healthcare, education, the economy, and civil rights. By voting, individuals ensure their voices are heard, holding elected officials accountable and influencing policies that directly impact their communities. It also empowers underrepresented groups, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society. When people vote, they are exercising their rights, protecting democracy, and promoting positive change for generations to come.
Who can register to vote?
To register to vote in California, you must be:
- A United States citizen and a resident of California,
- 18 years old or older on Election Day,
- Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony (for more information, please see Voting Rights Restored: Persons with a Prior Felony Conviction), and
- Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court (for more information, please see Voting Rights: Persons Subject to Conservatorship).
What is conditional voter registration?
If you did not register to vote by the 15-day voter registration deadline, in most elections, you may conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot by visiting your county elections office, a vote center, or a designated satellite location during the period of 14 days prior to, and including, Election Day.
Once your county elections official processes your affidavit of registration, determines your eligibility to register, and validates your information, your registration becomes permanent and your provisional ballot will be counted. For more information, please refer to Same Day Voter Registration.
How do I change my political party?
In order to change your political party preference, you must re-register to vote. You can re-register to vote by completing a voter registration application online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. When you register online, the system will search the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database for your California driver license or identification card number, date of birth, and last four digits of your social security number. If your information is found and you authorize elections officials’ use of your DMV signature, an electronic image of your DMV signature will be added to your voter registration application after you click “submit” at the end of the online application. If there is no signature on file with DMV, all of your information will be transmitted to your county elections office; you will just need to click “print,” sign the paper application, and mail it. Your county elections official will contact you when your voter registration application is approved or if more information is needed to confirm your eligibility.
You can also pick up a paper application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles field office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices. To have an application mailed to you, call your county elections office or the Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
What should I do if I changed my name?
If you have legally changed your name, you must re-register to vote so that your voter record reflects your current name. The Secretary of State recommends that before you update your voter record with your current name, you first update your California driver license or identification card with DMV.
If you are re-registering online and you have not updated your DMV record with your new name, select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote. If you do not decline use of your DMV signature, your application will be rejected by your county elections official because your DMV signature for your prior name will not match your voter signature with your new name. After you decline to use your DMV signature, continue filling in your information. Print, sign, and mail the paper application to your county elections office.
What are my rights as a voter?
Each state has its own set of laws that govern how elections are run, but there are several federal laws that protect voting rights for eligible U.S. citizens. The 1965 Voting Rights Act prohibits discrimination and requires jurisdictions to allow voting assistance in all but a couple of circumstances, and the Help America Vote Act provides that (1) voters must be able to vote privately and independently, (2) they must be given the opportunity to change or correct their ballot before it is cast, and (3) allows voters to vote a provisional or fail-safe ballot.
Your Rights When Voting
Federal election laws help protect your voting rights and the election process. Generally, voters have the right to:
Vote if they are still in line when the polls close
Ask for another ballot if they make a mistake
Ask for a provisional ballot if they are not on the voter list at their polling location
Ask for language assistance from a poll worker if they need help reading or understanding how to vote
Not be intimidated or harassed while voting
Voting with a Disability
Federal law also provides protection for voters with disabilities. Specifically, voters with disabilities have the right to:
Vote privately and independently
Have an accessible polling location with voting machines for voters with disabilities
Voters may either:
Seek assistance from workers at their polling location who have been trained to use the accessible voting machine, or
Bring someone to help them vote
Voters may request information about voting aids, voting assistance, and absentee ballot procedures that are available.
For more information, visit eac.gov/vote or contact the U.S. Election Assistance Commission by phone at 866-747-1471 or by email at listen@eac.gov. Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act is available at ada.gov.
