Assembly Bill 1520 was SIGNED by Governor Davis on Oct. 14th 2001
and became EFFECTIVE January 1, 2002.

In particular it allows for PERMANENT ABSENTEE VOTING.

Once you have registered you will be mailed an absentee ballot for all elections.

HOWEVER, IF YOU DO NOT RETURN A BALLOT IN ANY ELECTION (INCLUDING PRIMARIES) YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE SUBSEQUENT ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND YOU WILL HAVE TO REREGISTER.

To start receiving Permanent Absentee Ballots you MUST file an application with the Elections Department in YOUR county.

Counties may differ in how they notify voters concerning Permanent Absentee Voting. In Alameda County, for example, voters may obtain a permanent absentee ballot request by simply checking a box on voter affidavits or on sample ballots. Application forms for Permanent Absentee Voting status in Contra Costa County can be obtained by requesting an application from the County Clerk (address below - see web pages at: Contra Costa County Election Department). Other counties may also differ in how they handle applications.

The Secretary of State also provides downloadable .pdf forms usable in every county (see blue panel below) for application for Permanent Absentee Voting and these may be used by individuals or distributed by organizations to assist individuals in registering for Permanent Absentee Status. Individuals using these forms must send them to the County Clerk IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THEY RESIDE.

Applications must be received between 29 and five days prior to an election. Applications received more than 29 days prior to an election will be processed at 29 days prior to an election.

In Contra Costa County applications must be mailed to:

Secretary of State
Elections Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

If you or your organization wants to register permanent absentee voters you can print, or have printed, copies of the application provided on the Secretary of State's web site.

If YOU are registering others or personally using the State Permanent Absentee Voters form be sure to sign (or have the applicant sign) in the box in the form's right hand column of the state form to become a Permanent Absentee Voter.

Click HERE for the STATE .pdf file.  This form is to be mailed to:

Secretary of State
Elections Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Forms are also available in Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean but they are in two parts and if you are making cards to register voters you will need both files. Click HERE to go the the page on the Secretary of State's site and scroll down to the bottom for links to .pdf versions of all of the forms.

Be absolutely sure you comply with ALL the requirements listed on the form.

If you have registered for Permanent Absentee Ballot Status
and have not received your ballot within 29 days of every election,
you must contact your county Registrar of Voter's Office.