Yes, it’s August.
But with the announcement that Joe Biden has picked California Senator Kamala Harris to be his vice-presidential running mate and the party national conventions taking place this month, Election Day 2020 seems to be inching just a little closer.
Time has taken on a funny quality during the coronavirus pandemic, and the presidential election will be here before we know it. So since there are some key dates and deadlines to know, let’s take this in bite-sized chunks together and start this early.
Take just a few minutes (literally!) to read our overview of the facts you need to know.
First off, remind me: when is Election Day again?
Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
What’s different this year?
Much. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, if you’re registered to vote you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot with which to vote in the November election without requesting it. Remember: it’ll be sent to the address at which you’re registered to vote, so check that your address is correct here. And if you’re not already registered to vote, do that here.
If you see information online about the deadline to request a mail-in ballot (Oct. 27), don’t worry. That deadline is for requesting a new mail-in ballot â say, if you’ve made an error filling out the one you were already sent.
We know folks are already voicing concerns about how changes at the U.S. Postal Service might impact the delivery of completed mail-in ballots. In California, your ballot must be mailed and postmarked on Election Day at the latest, but the deadline for mail-in ballots to be received has been extended to Nov. 20 (from Nov. 6) â to allow your ballot extra time to reach your county elections office. You’ll also be able to drop off your completed ballot by hand at any drop box, polling location or county elections office.
If you still want to vote in person, the voting experience and your polling place may be very different because of the pandemic. Counties have been advised to prepare for lines that maintain social distancing and to have face coverings on hand for voters who don’t have one. Poll workers will also be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce their own risk. Some polling places may also be consolidated. More information should be coming as November draws closer.
When should I register to vote?
Your official deadline to register online to vote is Monday, Oct. 19. Why not do it ASAP?
If you want to mail in your voter registration, your request must be postmarked by the same date as the online registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 19.
Remember, if you’ve changed your name, or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, you’ll need to re-register.
Not sure if you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember what party preference you already have? Check all that here.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. (Element5 Digital)
I plan to vote by mail. What specific dates do I need to know?
Remember, registered voters will be receiving a mail-in ballot without requesting it this year (so we’ll say it again: check that your address is correct here.)
As for using it, you can postmark your mail-in ballot on Election Day itself, as long as it’s ultimately received by Nov. 20. If you’ve seen stuff online saying you need to make sure your ballot is received by Election Day (and therefore that your “vote-by-mail Election Day is actually in October), that does not apply in California.
That said, the official advice from the California Secretary of State’s office is: don’t wait. They’re encouraging voters to see Tuesday, Nov. 3 as their last day to vote, rather than the day they should vote.
When are the party conventions?
The Democratic National Convention is Monday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 20.
The Republican National Convention is Monday, Aug. 24 through Thursday, Aug. 27.
When are the debates?
The first presidential debate is Tuesday, Sept. 29. The second is Thursday, Oct. 15. The third and final presidential debate is Thursday, Oct. 22.
The vice-presidential debate is Wednesday, Oct. 7.
How do I stay on top of all these dates and deadlines?
Glad you asked! We’ve got several easy ways to help you stay informed:
Sign up for our News Daily newsletter from the KQED newsroom, which will remind you of big upcoming dates Sign up to get texts from KQED, and get a message from us when a crucial voting deadline is looming Click here to add our election deadline calendar to your Google Calendar, and be notified of pressing dates in September, October and November.
Just give me the big dates again, in one list?
Sure. The ones which might require action from you are in bold.
Aug. 17-20: Democratic National Convention Aug. 24-27: Republican National Convention Sept. 29: First presidential debate Oct. 7: Vice-presidential debate Oct. 15: Second presidential debate Oct. 19: Deadline to register to vote â online or postmark your registration if youâre doing it by mail Oct. 22: Third and final presidential debate Oct. 27: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot if you need a new one (if you’re registered to vote, remember, you’ll be receiving one without requesting it) Nov. 3: Election Day, the day to vote in person and your deadline to postmark your mail-in ballot
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