CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Election Day! Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 11:00 am-1 pm, Marysville Campus 300 bldg. Decorate your own “I voted” Voter buttons.

STUDENT CIVIC AND VOTER EMPOWERMENT ACT

In fall 2019, the California State Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law AB 963 or the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act (SCVEA). 

The Act establishes “the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Program to be conducted by the Secretary of State, in partnership with the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California.

In order to vote in California, you must: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen, 
  • Be a resident of California, 
  • Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction, 
  • Be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election (a person may register to vote at age 17 if he or she will be 18 on or before the next election), and 
  • Not have been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent. 

College Students’ Voting Guide

As a college student, your vote has the power to shape the future—both on your campus and across the country. Whether it’s electing leaders or influencing policies that affect your everyday life, from tuition to job markets, voting is one of the most impactful ways to make your voice heard. This guide will help you navigate the voting process, understand key issues, and get ready for the upcoming election.

Why Your Vote Matters as a College Student?

Did you know that as a college student, your vote could sway the outcome of the next presidential election? You’re part of a powerful demographic that can shape not only national results but also policies affecting your daily life on campus. Voting isn’t just about checking a box—it’s your opportunity to influence decisions on issues like student loans, job markets, housing policies, and even climate change. Your vote matters, especially when it comes to issues that impact your future.

It’s easy to feel like one vote doesn’t make a difference, but think of it this way: in past elections, small margins in key states have decided the presidency. Imagine if a few more students showed up to vote—it could have changed the course of history. By voting, you’re making your voice heard and taking control of your future.

Looking for ways to earn college credits quickly and affordable? Check out Study.com’s transferable college credit options.

Why Should You Vote?

You might think older voters are the ones showing up at the polls, and you’re right—76% of people over 65 voted in the 2020 election. But when it comes to young voters, only 51% of people between 18 and 24 cast their ballots. That’s a huge gap! And it means your age group is under-represented when it comes to deciding who leads the country.

So why is voting so important for you? As a young person, many policies directly affect your future, such as:

  • Student loan forgiveness or reform
  • Climate change policies that could impact the environment you live in
  • Healthcare, which could affect your coverage after you graduate
  • Job market policies that might shape your employment opportunities after college

When you vote, you’re not just choosing a candidate—you’re choosing the policies that could shape the next few years of your life. And the more young voters who participate, the bigger the impact you can have.

For more information on the College Students’ Voting Guide

Election Stress Resources

UPCOMING ELECTION DATES

Monday, October 7: No later than this date, county elections officials shall begin mailing each registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot.

Monday, October 7: Counties offer early voting sites – to find a location and available times, please visit https://CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov.

Tuesday, October 8: General Election ballot drop-off locations open.

Monday, October 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail ahead of the General Election.

Tuesday, October 22 – Tuesday, November 5: Same Day Voter Registration is available – voters can “conditionally” register and vote at a county elections office or polling location after the voter registration deadline, up to and including Election Day.

Tuesday, October 29: Last day for county elections officials to send a registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot.

Tuesday, November 5: General Election – polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Vote-by-mail General Election ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 5, 2024) and received by Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

September (National Voter Registration Month) 

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Constitution Day 
  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024 — National Voter Registration Day 

The California Secretary of State, through the Student Vote Project, publishes a student voter resource guide prior to general elections. For more information, please see the most recently published guide for more information:  2022 General Election Student Voter Resource Guide (PDF). 

To check your voter registration status, please visit https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ 

Pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 3 of the Elections Code, a voter may apply to vote by mail at any time until after the seventh day prior to an election, and a vote-by-mail voter may vote-in-person at the office of the county elections official or at a satellite location established by the county elections official on or before the day of the election. 

ACCESSIBLE VOTING 

Every polling location is required to have a voting device that is accessible for all voters. This includes features like audio ballots, large print/zoom features, and height and tilt adjustments on the screens. Please let a poll worker know if you have questions or need assistance with voting. For more information regarding accessible voting, please visit Sutter County and Yuba County Voter Accessibility.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES 

Sutter and Yuba Counties are looking for eligible poll workers for upcoming elections!  

For more information and to access the application, check out the following website: Sutter County and Yuba County.

Volunteers are provided excellent training prior to serving and may be paid for working polls on Election Day. 

Sutter County Elections Office

SUTTER COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION: For more information on how to vote in Sutter County.

Donna M. Johnson, Registrar of Voters
1435 Veterans Memorial Circle
Yuba City, CA 95993 

Phone: (530) 822-7122
Fax: (530) 822-7587
Facebook: Sutter County Elections
Twitter: @suttervote

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

YUBA COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION: For more information on how to vote in Yuba County. 

Donna Hillegass, Registrar of Voters
915 8th Street, Suite 107
Marysville, CA 95901 

Phone: (530) 749-7855
Fax: (530) 749-7854
Facebook: Yuba County Elections
Twitter: @yubaelections 

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

CIVIC AND VOTER EMPOWERMENT COORDINATOR

Anabel Toche,  Dean of Student Success,  serves as the campus’ Civic and Voter Empowerment Coordinator.  The college is leading efforts to fulfill the terms of the Act and will be developing the 2023-2024 Civic Engagement Plan that will outline the values, goals, and steps the campus will take to empower and educate students about their rights.  

SCVEA TASKFORCE

The Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act (SCVEA) Taskforce will consist of students, staff, faculty, and administrators. The goal of the Taskforce will be to: Develop a Civic and Voter Empowerment Action Plan consistent with all of the following:

  • (i) The coordinator shall invite leadership from faculty and students, administrators from each student and academic affairs, and government relations or a similar office to participate in a meeting or meetings to develop the action plan.
  • (ii) The action plan shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, a campus-specific effort to increase civic learning and democratic participation, with an emphasis on civic engagement, voter turnout, and community building.
  • (iii) Students shall be invited to develop the action plan and to coordinate the meeting or meetings to develop the action plan.

If you are interested in serving on the SCVEA Taskforce, please email Anabel Toche at atoche@yccd.edu.