New Citizens

New citizens can register to vote after participating in a Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) ceremony. To make sure new citizens have the chance to vote in elections, registration deadlines and voting procedures are different.

As a United States citizen, you are encouraged to register to vote and actively participate in choosing your government representatives.

Who Can Register to Vote?

New citizens who will be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election are eligible to register to vote.

How to Register

After the CIS ceremony, you may register to vote:

• Go online by using the California Online Voter Registration System.
• Mail a completed voter registration form, which can be obtained by picking up a voter registration form at most government buildings.
• In person at one of our offices.
• Call (800) 481-VOTE, (800) 815-2666 Option 2.

People who become citizens after the close of registration may register and vote at the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk anytime up until the close of polls on Election Day. (E.C. § 3500)

New citizens must present proof of citizenship and declare they have established residence in Los Angeles County. (E.C. § 3501)

Community & Voter Outreach

The Community & Voter Outreach team routinely attends naturalization ceremonies in Los Angeles County to register new citizens to vote. At each ceremony, anywhere from 900 to 5,000 applicants are naturalized and offered an opportunity to register to vote. In 2012, nearly 30,000 new citizens registered to vote at naturalization ceremonies.

Click here for the Naturalization Ceremony Locations and Schedule.