California Online Voter Guide

May 2009 Special Election
18th Edition

About This Guide

Click on the tabs above to enter the California Online Voter Guide, a nonpartisan clearinghouse of election information and web site links. This edition covers statewide ballot measures.

About This Election

California's Statewide Special Election is Tuesday, May 19

Voters who prefer to vote by mail can request a Vote by Mail ballot.

Unsure of your voter registration status? Looking for your polling place? Contact your county election office.

See CVF's Voting FAQ for more information about voting in California.

CVF's Map of California Voting Systems and County-by-County Directory of Voting Systems provide details about each county's voting system.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Last day to Register to Vote - May 4
First day to Request a Vote by Mail Ballot - April 20
Last day to Request a Vote by Mail Ballot - May 12

What's on the Ballot?

Across the state, California voters will decide on six propositions placed on the ballot by the Legislature. Voters in some areas may have local candidates or measures on their ballot as well. CVF's California Online Voter Guide includes information about statewide propositions only; for information on local candidates and ballot issues CVF recommends SmartVoter.

Official Sample Ballots and Voter Guides

If you are a registered voter, your county registrar will mail you an Official Sample Ballot providing your polling place location, a Vote By Mail ballot application and information on any local contests on your ballot. In addition, the Secretary of State mails out the Voter Information Guide covering statewide propositions. These publications provide the basic information you need to prepare to vote; if you haven't received them, contact your county election office.

Follow the Money

Each proposition page in the California Online Voter Guide identifies the top donors for and against the measure. Visit CVF's "How to Follow the Money" page for information on researching state and federal campaign finances.

Additional Web Resources

Visit CVF's Elections index page for additional election-related resources and archived editions of the California Online Voter Guide. CVF recommends the following nonpartisan election web sites:

Secretary of State's official Voter Information Guide

Secretary of State's Special Election web site

The League of Women Voters:

Easy Voter Guide

SmartVoter web site

In-Depth Proposition Analysis

Center for Governmental Studies' Video Voter/Voter Minute project

Around the Capitol's Election Track featuring up-to-date campaign contribution data

CVF and the Commonwealth Club's How To Host An Election House Party guide

Resources for military and overseas voters: www.overseasvotefoundation.org

Verified Voting’s Election Equipment Verifier Map

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Do you have suggestions, questions, or feedback? Please contact CVF. If you found this guide helpful, please make a contribution to help support CVF's nonpartisan voter education work.