GET OUT THE (LATINO) VOTE!
Your voice matters, and so does your vote
At Canal Alliance, we work to ensure that our Latino community can live, learn, work, and succeed here in Marin County. We are increasingly persuaded that we can only achieve these goals if the Latino community has a real say in the policy decisions that affect our lives and livelihoods.
That’s why Canal Alliance staff and community volunteers are working side by side to ensure that Latino voices are heard at the ballot box. Through outreach, education, and support, we educate our community about the power of our votes and the impact they can have on local and national decisions. We also work with local government, partners, and our community to make sure that language is never a barrier to accessing information or participating in the democratic process for our community. By registering voters, sharing resources, encouraging civic participation, and advancing language access, we are building Latino political power in Marin County — so that candidates and elected officials will consistently take the needs and requests of our community into account.
Whether you want to register to vote yourself or help others in the community make their voices heard, there’s a role for you in strengthening our democracy. We hope you will join us.
Learn how you can vote today:
Am I eligible to vote?
You can register and vote in California if you are:
- A U.S. citizen and a California resident
- 18 years old or older on Election Day
- Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction
If you have completed a felony sentence, even if you are still on parole or probation, you are eligible to register and vote.
Not a U.S. citizen?
To vote in state and federal elections, you must be a U.S. citizen, so if you are not yet a citizen, you cannot vote yet. We encourage you to stay engaged. You can still volunteer, help others register, and make your voice heard in your community.
Are you 16 or 17?
You can take action now. California lets 16- and 17-year-olds pre-register to vote, and your registration becomes active automatically when you turn 18, so you’ll be ready for your first election. Visit registertovote.ca.gov to pre-register today.
How do I register to vote?
Step 1 — Register Online
Visit registertovote.ca.gov (registertovote.ca.gov/es) to complete your registration in minutes. You will need your California driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Step 2 — Register by Mail or In Person
Prefer paper? Pick up a voter registration card at your local library, post office, or the Marin County Elections Department office and mail it back or drop it off in person.
Step 3 — Check Your Registration
Already registered? Confirm your information is up to date at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. If you have moved or changed your name, you will need to re-register.
Important Deadline:
You must register at least 15 days before Election Day to receive a ballot and vote by mail— if you miss the deadline, the only way to vote is to go in person to a vote center to do a same-day registration and cast a provisional ballot.
For whom should I vote?
That’s your decision to make — and Canal Alliance is here to help you get registered and ready, not to tell you how to vote. As a nonprofit, we don’t endorse candidates, and we don’t create our own voter guide. What we can do is point you to trustworthy information so you can make an informed choice:
Official Voter Information Guide:
The California Secretary of State publishes a free, nonpartisan guide that explains each statewide measure (with arguments for and against) and includes candidate statements. Every voter is mailed a copy, and you can read it anytime at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
How do I vote?
California automatically mails a ballot to every registered voter. You can return it by mail, drop it in an official drop box — including the one at Canal Alliance at 711 Grand Ave, San Rafael — or vote in person at a vote center. A list of Marin voting locations can be found here.
What language assistance is available at the polls?
California provides voting materials and assistance in multiple languages, including Spanish. In Marin County, you can request a Spanish-language ballot at any vote center in the County and you can check which locations have bilingual volunteers here.
Do I need ID to vote?
In most cases, no. California does not require voters to show ID at the polls. You may only be asked for ID if it is your first time voting in a federal election and you registered by mail without providing your CA ID or Social Security Number. You will be notified in advance if this applies to you.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
Do not worry. If you make a mistake on your mail ballot, contact the Marin County Elections Department to request a replacement ballot. If you are voting in person, let a poll worker know and they will provide you with a new ballot.
Where can I find trusted resources to learn more about voting?
We have gathered some of the most reliable and easy-to-use resources to help you get informed and ready to vote:
VOTE411.org/california
A nonpartisan voter guide with information on candidates, races, and issues specific to California. A great place to start!
vote.ca.gov
California’s official voting information website
MarinVotes.org
Everything you need to know about voting in Marin County
1-800-345-VOTE (8683)
California’s voter hotline, available in multiple languages
What should I do if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about getting registered, voting, upcoming elections, or would like to support our voter registration work as a volunteer, please call our front desk at 415-454-2640.