Inyo County Elections

FAQs

Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, you can reach us by email at elections@inyocounty.us or call us at 760-878-0224.

Registering to Vote

Do I need an ID to register online to vote?

All California residents who are eligible to vote may fill out a voter registration application online on the Secretary of State’s website. If you don’t have a California driver license or identification card number but you enter your other information, the website will create a voter registration application for you to print, sign, and mail.

I’ve moved. How do I change my address?

Voters can update their California residence address by re-registering online or by submitting a paper voter registration application.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

California residents must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. For this date and other important election deadlines, see our election calendar. If the registration deadline has passed for an upcoming election, you may visit the Inyo County Elections office at 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence CA 93526 to register and vote during the 14 days prior to, and including Election Day. You may also vote conditionally at any polling place on Election Day. This process is called Same Day Voter Registration.

How do I change my political party preference?

Voters can change their political party preference by re-registering online or by submitting a paper voter registration application.

What to Expect on Election Day

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring your mailed ballot with you to surrender to a poll worker to receive an in-person ballot.

In most cases, Inyo County voters are not required to show identification at their polling place. However, it is a good idea to bring identification with you when you vote for the first time. See the full list of acceptable forms of ID.

What are my rights as a voter?

  • If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote.
  • If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
  • Voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, even if they aren’t in the poll book.
  • If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline:
    • English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
    • Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
    • Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
    • For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683

When will I know the Election Results?

  • Results from mailed ballots received by the elections office and processed prior to Election Day will be posted by 8:15 pm on election night. Results from all ballots cast in-person are expected to be posted by 1:00 am on Election Night. Ballots that were postmarked by Election Day, and received by the deadline, will be processed daily and added to the elections results daily starting the Wednesday after the election. Final results are expected to be certified by the Secretary of State 38 days after Election Day.

How and Where to Vote

When does early voting start?

California law allows voters to cast their ballots as early as 29 days before an election. In Inyo County, you can do this at the Inyo County Elections office located in the Historic Courthouse at 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence CA 93526.

Where can I vote on election day?

Voters in Inyo County have a designated polling place, which is published at least 30 days before an election.

How can I return my Mailed Ballot?

Voters have several ways to return their mailed ballot:

  • Voters can mail their ballot to the elections offices using the United State Postal Service, no later than Election Day. The postage is pre-paid with first class mail delivery standards of 2-5 days.
  • Voters can drop their ballot off at any Ballot Drop Box location or they may return it directly to the Elections Office in Historic Courthouse in Independence by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
  • Voters can drop their ballot off at any polling location by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
  • Voters can use any private delivery service to mail their ballot to the elections office, as long as it mailed by Election Day.

Never give your ballot to someone you do not know or trust.