Voter Registration &
Civic Engagement
Voting is one of the most powerful ways you can stay civically engaged and exert influence in policy decisions. Join ASI Student Government in our efforts to register more students to vote than any other higher education institution in California. Be a part of the future and Flex Your Right in local, state, and federal level elections.
Register by Oct. 19, 2026 to be eligible to vote in the 2026 General Election
Flex Your Right
2026 General Election
Cal Poly students have a vital voice in local, state, and federal civic decision-making. Flex Your Right is ASI Student Government’s annual voter registration campaign that provides students with the opportunity to register to vote using their local San Luis Obispo address or home address.
Flex Your Right is ASI Student Government’s annual voter registration campaign that allows students to register to vote using their local San Luis Obispo address or home address. In 2018 and 2019, ASI Student Government registered the most students amongst all California higher education institutions, with over 3,000 students in 2018 and over 2,000 students in 2019. During the 2024 election year, Cal Poly registered the highest percentage of students in the CSU system, with over 1,500 students to vote.
Student Voices Matter
Elections shape the issues students experience every day, from the cost of education and housing to transportation, public health, and environmental policy. Voting is one way to make your voice heard and help ensure student experiences are represented in decisions that affect our communities.
Learn more about what is on your ballot, how to vote, and resources for reliable election information.
Secretary of State's Ballot Bowl
Cal Poly is participating in the 2026 California University and College Ballot Bowl, a statewide competition encouraging college students to register to vote and make a plan to vote. Students can help Cal Poly compete by registering to vote, updating their registration, and submitting a plan to vote. Every student participation helps strengthen civic engagement on campus. Register to Vote and Create Your Voting Plan by Oct.19, 2026. Flex Your Right students!
Top Things to “Know Your Vote”
- Register to vote.
- The deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 3 General Election is Oct. 19, 2026
- If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote or not, check your voter registration status. If you moved and need to change your address, re-register to vote.
- Stay informed and find the information Cal Poly students need to know for the upcoming 2026 General Election and post-election by visiting the Dean of Students Election Guide.
- If you miss the Oct. 19 Voter Registration deadline, you still have the option of Conditional Voting. You can register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day at any polling place or the SLO County Clerk’s Office. Visit Same-Day Voter Registration/Conditional Voting to learn more! Same-day voter registration is available in-person only.
- More information on how to vote, candidates, and propositions is available in the Secretary of State’s Official Voter Information Guide. You can also use Vote 411 to see what specific local candidates and ballot measures your county or city will be voting for.
- All California registered voters will be receiving a Vote-By-Mail ballot, and you have three options for voting!
- Mail-in
- Once you receive your vote-by-mail ballot, fill it out, seal it, and mail it to your county’s elections official.
- All ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received by Nov. 3, 2026.
- Drop-off
- Once you receive your vote-by-mail ballot, fill it out, seal it, and drop it off at any official ballot drop-off location, polling place, or at the office of your county’s elections official. View San Luis Obispo County ballot drop-off locations or the Solano County ballot drop-off locations to plan ahead!
- All ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2026.
- In-person
- You can also decide to vote in person at your assigned polling location. All polling locations are listed on the mail-in ballot you will receive, or use the Secretary of State’s polling lookup resource.
- You must be in line before 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2026 to vote.
- Mail-in
- Know how to use your vote in the most effective way possible! Use this helpful Voter FAQ to help answer questions you may have about your vote and how to use it.
- Ensure that your mail-in ballot comes to the right place and you know how to list your address when registering. If you live on campus, check out the address guide for information on Cal Poly student housing at both the San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses.
- Did you know that you can track your ballot using Where’s My Ballot? This website lets voters know the status of their ballot every step of the way.
Ways to Be Civically Engaged on Campus
Civic engagement doesn’t end after an election! You still have the opportunity to get involved with ASI Student Government and the campus community, as well as the broader San Luis Obispo Community.
Attend a Board of Directors Meeting
Students and community members are welcome to speak during Open Forum, which happens during the first 30 minutes of every meeting. Meetings are held every other Wednesday from 5:10 – 8:00 PM.
Attend a University Union Advisory Board Meeting
Students and community members are welcome to speak during Open Forum, which happens during the first 15 minutes of every meeting.
Attend a Meeting of Our Standing Committees
Students and community members are welcome to speak during Open Forum, which happens during the first 15 minutes of each meeting. Meeting dates, times, and information are provided for each Standing Committee.
Attend Office Hours of Your ASI President
Students are welcome to attend the office hours of the ASI President and ask questions, talk about their experience as a Cal Poly student, or just chat!
Ways to Be Civically Engaged in San Luis Obispo
Attend a City Council Meeting
Students are welcome to attend and participate in Public Comment at our San Luis Obispo City Council meetings held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Attend a Board of Supervisors Meeting
The Board of Supervisors holds public meetings almost every week during which discuss County business, hold hearings, receive presentations, consider public comment, approve and renew contracts, and more.
Become a Precinct Worker
The San Luis Obispo Country Clerk-Recorder office works hundreds of hours to prepare for each election. On election morning, the process is turned over to precint workers to administer. Become one today to support our local election process!
Volunteer in San Luis Obispo
Your time and effort can be a catalyst for positive change in your community.
General Election Voter Information
Being a civically engaged and informed student is vital for our communities to thrive at the local, state, and national level. Take a moment to ensure you are registered to vote, check your voter status, find your polling location, and more.
Get Involved
Even if you are unable to register to vote, there are still ways to exert your influence by attending public meetings, speaking at open forums, petitioning, grassroots organizing efforts, or attending a civic engagement event hosted by Student Government. Sign up to stay connected and receive information on how you can be more civically engaged in your community.
