Your vote empowers change. Shape the future you want with every ballot cast.

Get Ready to Vote

Article 1 of the US Constitution protects the voting rights of citizens. Further expansions of voting rights and protections occured with the 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th amendments, as well as multiple Civil Rights and Voting Acts. In the US, voting is the foremost way that citizens can influence the path of their country. You have the power to elect officials to speak on your behalf, decide which laws and bonds are passed, and more on an annual basis.

To assist you with this, Moreno Valley College has compiled a list of non-partisan resources to facilitate voting for our community.

Register to Vote California Voter Information Guide

  • Check if and where you're registered to vote, your political party, and your language preference.
  • Check the status of your vote-by-mail or provisional ballot.
  • Find your polling place.
  • Find information for upcoming local and state elections.
  • Find contact information for your county elections office.
  • Choose how you want to receive your state and county voter guides.

Types of Elections

Elections in the US is a multifaceted system with three separate categories: general, primary and special elections. 

General Elections

General elections allow voters to vote for federal, state and local officials. Odd-numbered years (e.g. 2023 or 2025) typically only allow voting for local officials, while even-numbered years include votes for federal officials.

Primary Elections

Primary elections are opportunities to parties, and party members, to select a candidate for a general election. This will nominate a candidate to be on a primary ballot. Open primaries allow anyone to vote, a closed primary allows only voters who are affiliated with the party to vote, and a non-partisan primary allows voters to vote for candidates from multiple parties.

Special Elections

Special elections allow citizens to vote for a candidate to replace an official who is unable to serve the remainder of their term of office.

Important Dates for 2024

  • National Voter Registration Day: September 17
  • Ballots Begin Mailing: October 7
  • Last Day to Register: October 21
  • Vote Centers Open: October 26
  • Replacement Ballot Deadline: October 29
  • California General Election: November 5
  • Mail-In Ballots Due: Postmarked by November 5; received by November 12
    • Postage for mail-in ballots is free. You may drop them off at the US Post Office before closing on Election Day, put them in a secure voting drop-box, return them to a polling place, or mail them from your home address. Make sure to follow the directions on your ballot to ratify it, or ensure someone else can drop it off on your behalf.

Get Involved at MVC

MVC runs various voter-focused and government-focused events to educate our community about our country, laws, and their rights. Our events are nonpartisan and welcome individuals of every background and political affiliation to learn and exercise their rights.

  • Campus Events
  • Ballot Drop-Off – Roundabout by College Bookstore (Outside)
    • Before Election Day: October 7 – November 4, 10 am – 3 pm (weekends and holidays included)
    • On Election Day: November 5, 7 am – 8 pm
  • Vote Center – Parkside Complex, Room 12
    • Park in Parking Lot E for easy access
    • Open daily, October 26 – November 4, from 8 am – 6 pm
    • Election Day Hours: Tuesday, November 5, from 6 am – approx. 9:30 pm

Event Calendar

Students Vote Project, register to vote.

Secretary of State - Register to Vote

Secretario de Estado - Registrarse para votar

 

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