When you sign up to vote, you can join a political party. A political party is a group of people who share the same ideas about how the government should be run and what it should do. They work together to win elections. You can also choose not to join any of the political parties and still be a voter. There is no cost to join a party.

How to choose a political party:

• Choose a political party that has the same general views you do. For example, some political parties think that government should do more for people. Others feel that government should make it easier for people to do things for themselves.
• If you do not want to join a political party, mark that box on your voter registration form. This is called “no party preference.” Know that if you do, you may have limited choices for party candidates in Presidential primary elections.
• You can change your political party registration at any time. Just fill out a new voter registration form and check a different party box. The deadline to change your party is 15 days before the election online or in person during same day voter registration process.
• You can register to vote online through the Secretary of State’s website, registertovote.ca.gov
• Print our our flyer for more information on the political parties.
• Find out more about voter registration
• Before election day, view your ballot and find your polling place using our online voter guide: Voter's Edge California