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Voter Bill of Rights
Voter Bill of Rights You are here: Home Voter Bill of Rights Where is my ballot? Language services Accessibility services Voter Bill of Rights County Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Voters with disabilities You have the following rights: The right to vote if you are a registered voter. You are eligible to vote if you are: a U.S. citizen living in California registered where you currently live at least 18 years old not in prison for a felony The right to vote if you are a registered voter even if your name is not on the list. You will vote using a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted if election officials determine that you are eligible to vote. The right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close. The right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote. The right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake, if you have not already cast your ballot. You can: Ask an elections official at a polling place for a new ballot, or Exchange your vote-by-mail ballot for a new one at an elections office, or at your polling place, or Vote using a provisional ballot, if you do not have your original vote-by-mail ballot. The right to get help casting your ballot from anyone you choose, except from your employer or union representative. The right to turn in your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place in the county where you are registered to vote. The right to get election materials in a language other than English if enough people in your voting precinct speak that language. The right to ask questions to elections officials about election procedures and watch the election process. If the person you ask cannot answer your questions, they must send you to the right person for an answer. If you are disruptive, they can stop answering you. The right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity to an elections official or to the Secretary of State’s office. On the web at www.sos.ca.gov By phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) By email at [email protected] If you believe you have been denied any of these rights, call the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). TOP
Recent Community News
Roster of Approved Firearms Safety Devices
Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale Home Firearms Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale Recall Notices & Information October 19, 2023 - Information Regarding Nationwide Recall of Six Lock Boxes and One Safe on California’s Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Announced by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission February 22, 2024 - Information Regarding Nationwide Recall of Three Lock Boxes on California’s Roster of Firearm Safety Devices announced by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission June 27, 2024 - Information regarding nationwide recall of one lock box and one safe on California’s Roster of Firearm Safety Devices announced by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission As of January 1, 2002, no firearm may be sold, transferred, or manufactured within California unless that firearm is accompanied by a DOJ-approved firearms safety device (California Penal Code section 23620, et seq). To search for Firearm Safety Devices certified for sale, click on the following: Search for a Safety Device Find Safety Devices Compatible with your Firearm The safety device requirement does not apply to the following: Persons who can demonstrate the purchase of a DOJ-approved safety device in the 30 days prior to taking possession of the firearm by presenting the device to the firearms dealer and providing the firearms dealer with a receipt showing the purchase date and model name of the device. The commerce of any firearm defined as an "antique firearm" pursuant to federal law. The commerce of any firearm intended to be used by a salaried, full-time peace officer for law enforcement purposes. Transfers of firearms to persons who demonstrate ownership of a qualifying gun safe. Ownership may be demonstrated by displaying to the firearms dealer: 1) A receipt indicating purchase of, or an affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that the purchaser owns a gun safe, and 2) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that the gun safe meets the standards set forth in DOJ regulations. Additional information on Safety Devices and Firearms Manufacturers. Firearms Safety Device Compatibility Chart Report of Descriptions and Devices Recently Added Handgun Models Find Safety Devices Compatible with your Firearm
Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update
Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update Home Firearms Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update The Automated Firearms System is a repository of firearm records maintained by the Department, as established by Penal Code section 11106. The Automated Firearms System is populated by way of firearm purchases or transfers at a California licensed firearm dealer, registration of assault weapons (during specified registration periods), an individual’s report of firearm ownership to the Department, Carry Concealed Weapons Permit records, or records entered by law enforcement agencies. Commencing July 1, 2019, an individual will have the ability to electronically update one or more Automated Firearms System records through the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) to match his or her current name, date of birth, address, and California Driver License, California Identification Card, or Military Identification Number. Maintaining accurate personal information within the Automated Firearm System is critical if you plan to purchase ammunition by meeting the eligibility requirements established by Penal Code section 30370, subdivisions (c) and (d). If the information that is provided to the ammunition vendor does not match an entry in the Automated Firearms System database, the transaction must be denied. As such, it is important to ensure records are accurate. How do I update my Automated Firearm System record? To update your personal information on a record in the Automated Firearms System, log into your CFARS account, click on “Automated Firearms System (AFS) Personal Information Update,” and follow the instructions. If you do not have a CFARS account, you may create one by visiting https://cfars.doj.ca.gov. What information is needed to update an Automated Firearm System record? Current personal information. Full Name, Date of Birth, Residential Address, California Driver License/Identification Card Number, or Military Identification Number/Department of Defense Identification Number. Personal information at time of firearm purchase. Exact personal information as it was recorded on your Dealer Record of Sale or other firearms ownership record. Firearm currently recorded in your name. Type, Make, Model, Caliber and Serial Number information of one or more firearms currently recorded in the Automated Firearms System. Verifying documentation. If you are changing your name, date of birth, identification type or identification number, you must upload documents verifying the change. These documents require review and approval by the Department before changes can be updated on your record. Depending on what personal information will be updated, the following verification documents may be required: California Driver License/Identification Card Note: If you uploaded your military identification and active duty station orders and do not have a California driver license or identification card, you may upload your military identification card again. Marriage License Endorsed court order regarding restoration of former name Endorsed court order regarding name change Birth Certificate Military Orders Please refer to the Automated Firearms System Information Update Regulations for more information. Is there a fee associated with updating an Automated Firearm System record? There is no fee for updating your record. What can I expect after submission of the Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update request? Once your submission has been processed, the Department will send an email to the email address on file to let you know the status of your submission or to advise you to log on to CFARS to review notices from the Department. What if I don’t know the exact personal information or firearms information that was used when I purchased or transferred my firearm? You can request to obtain information on all firearms for which you are listed as the purchaser, transferee, or owner in the State of California. Based on the personal information you provide, the Department will conduct a diligent search of the Automated Firearms System and will provide you with the listing via mail. Once you receive the listing, you can reference the personal and firearm information that was recorded at the time the firearm was purchased or transferred. Thereafter, you can use the information to update your Automated Firearm System record. The Automated Firearms System Request for Firearm Records (BOF 053) application can be located at https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms. I know I have an Automated Firearms System record but I am not sure if my personal information is current. May I submit a new Firearm Ownership Report instead of updating my Automated Firearm System record? No. The Department will not process firearm ownership reports for firearms that are already recorded in your name. What if I don’t have a firearm record in the Automated Firearm System and I want to purchase ammunition? For more information about how you can meet the requirements to purchase ammunition without having an Automated Firearms System record, please visit the Ammunition Purchase Authorization webpage.
SB 452: Microstamping
Senate Bill (SB) 452, which was signed into law on September 26, 2023, amended California’s Unsafe Handgun Act by removing the microstamping requirement from Penal Code section 31910 and adding, under separate Penal Code provisions, new requirements related to microstamping components (specifically, sections 27531, 27532, 27533, 27534.1 and 27534.2). As detailed further below, this law provides a series of staggered implementation requirements for the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the technological viability of microstamping components, develop performance standards and licensing processes for entities that produce those components, and assess the commercial availability of microstamping components or microstamping-enabled firearms. It also provides a conditional mandate related to microstamping components in semiautomatic pistols sold or transferred in the state. Commencing January 1, 2028, this law will require licensed firearms dealers to ensure that semiautomatic pistols sold, offered for sale, exchanged, given, transferred, or delivered by those dealers in California are certified as “microstamping-enabled” by the pistol’s manufacturer, a licensed firearms dealer, or a gunsmith that serviced the pistol by installing a qualifying microstamping component (Pen. Code § 27533 and § 27531(c)). This requirement would apply to any semiautomatic pistol manufactured or delivered to a firearms dealer on or after January 1, 2028. However, this requirement takes effect only if DOJ has first made two separate determinations regarding: (1) the technological viability of microstamping components; and (2) the commercial availability of microstamping components and/or microstamping-enabled firearms. Technological Viability of Microstamping Components For the first of these determinations, SB 452 requires DOJ to “engage in an investigation to determine the technological viability of microstamping components producing microstamps on spent cartridge casings discharged by a firearm into which the microstamping component has been installed,” which includes soliciting input from relevant stakeholders (Pen. Code §27532(a)). On July 18, 2025, DOJ released a report finding that it is technologically viable for microstamping components (engraved firing pins) to imprint a unique microscopic array of characters, referred to as a “microstamp,” on spent cartridge cases discharged by a firearm into which the microstamping component has been installed. Commercial Availability of Microstamping Components Once DOJ has made a finding that microstamping components are technologically viable, it is required to: By September 1, 2025, provide “written guidance on performance standards for persons, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities engaged in the business of producing microstamping components.” (Pen. Code § 27532(b).) Those performance standards can be found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Division 5, Chapter 16, Sections 4600-4601. By January 1, 2026, commence accepting applications for licenses for entities that produce microstamping components that meet DOJ’s performance standards. Entities seeking a license to produce microstamping components must submit samples to a DOJ-Certified Lab which will evaluate and conduct the testing of the semiautomatic pistol with the microstamping component pursuant to the standards outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Division 5, Chapter 16, Sections 4600-4601. Once the DOJ-Certified Lab has tested the microstamping components, it must submit BOF Form 130 Microstamping Performance Report to DOJ to evaluate whether the microstamping component meets the performance standards. BOF Form 130 will be accepted by email at [email protected]. These requirements are set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Division 5, Chapter 16, Section 4602. By July 1, 2026, DOJ must provide grants or enter into contracts with one or more entities licensed to produce microstamping components that meet DOJ’s performance standards to make those microstamping components available for sale or other distribution at a reasonable cost to firearm manufacturers, licensed firearms dealers, and gunsmiths engaged in the business of installing microstamping components in California. (Pen. Code § 27532(d).) By July 1, 2027, DOJ must determine: (1) whether microstamping components are available at commercially reasonable prices from licensees producing microstamping components, and (2) whether “options of microstamping-enabled firearms are readily available for purchase” in California. (Pen. Code § 27532(e).) Once DOJ determines that either or both of these criteria are met, DOJ must publish a list of all licensees producing microstamping components that meet the microstamping performance standards and “shall notify licensed firearms dealers, gunsmiths, and manufacturers operating within the State of California of the list of available microstamping component producers.” (Pen. Code § 27532(f).) Definitions of Key Terms can be found in Pen. Code § 27531. Additional Information: Attorney General Bonta Releases Report, Finds Firearm Microstamping Technology Viable Microstamping Technological Viability Report 2025 BOF 130 - Microstamping Performance Report California Code of Regulations
AB 28: Certificate of Registration
Assembly Bill 28 (AB 28) Commencing July 1, 2024, Assembly Bill 28 (AB 28), which was signed into law on September 26, 2023, requires all firearms dealers and ammunition vendors to obtain a Certificate of Registration with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). This Certificate of Registration requirement also applies to any federally licensed firearm manufacturer that engages in the retail sale of any firearms in California, including firearm precursor parts. There is no fee for this Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax (FET) Certificate of Registration. The FET Certificate of Registration requirement is in addition to the existing requirement that firearms dealers and ammunition vendors maintain a valid seller’s permit, and that firearms manufacturers maintain a valid seller’s permit or resale certificate. Additionally, AB 28 states that the Department of Justice may revoke any ammunition vendor license or remove any firearms dealer or firearms manufacturer from any centralized list upon notification from CDTFA that CDTFA revoked the licensee’s certificate of registration or revoked or suspended the licensee’s seller’s permit. This webpage is intended to highlight only a few aspects of AB 28. Please review AB 28—including sections 36035 and 36036 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and sections 26700, 26705, and 30395 of the Penal Code—for further details, requirements, and relevant information. For information on obtaining the FET Certificate of Registration, seller’s permit, or resale certificate, you may visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov and CDTFA’s “Tax Guide for Sellers of Firearm and Ammunition Products” website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/sellers-of-firearm-and-ammunition-products/. Should you have any other questions, please contact the Bureau of Firearms, Centralized List Unit at 916-210-2750 or via email at [email protected].
Ammunition Purchase Authorization Program
Effective July 1, 2019, persons seeking to purchase or transfer ammunition will have to undergo an eligibility check, and be approved by the Department, prior to the sale or transfer, except as otherwise specified. Departmental approval shall occur electronically through a licensed ammunition vendor. Pursuant to Penal Code sections 30352 and 30370, the Department will determine that a person is eligible to purchase or transfer ammunition if they meet one of the following requirements: The person has a current Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Department The person’s information matches an entry in the Automated Firearms System (name, date of birth, current address, and driver license or other government identification) and does not fall within a class of persons who are prohibited from owning or possessing ammunition. The Department shall make this determination by cross-referencing the Prohibited Armed Persons file (also known as the Armed and Prohibited Persons System). The person is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing ammunition. The Department determines eligibility based on a comprehensive review of its records (similar to a firearm eligibility check). Please note: this eligibility check requires a manual review of records by a Department analyst. As such, the Department may take longer to respond with a determination as to eligibility. Response times may take several days. Persons will have the ability to check the status of their eligibility check through the Ammunition Eligibility Check Status and Information page (available July 1, 2019). The person was approved by the Department to receive a firearm from the ammunition vendor, pursuant to Penal Code section 28220, if that vendor is a licensed firearm dealer, and the ammunition is delivered to the person in the same transaction as the firearm. In this scenario, the dealer will use the approved firearm eligibility check as the approval to purchase ammunition, and will submit the ammunition purchase to the Department during the delivery of the firearm. Establishing a Record in the Automated Firearms System The Automated Firearms System is a repository of firearm records maintained by the Department, as established by Penal Code section 11106. The Automated Firearms System is populated by way of firearm purchases or transfers at a California licensed firearm dealer, registration of assault weapons (during specified registration periods), an individual’s report of firearm ownership to the Department, Carry Concealed Weapons Permit records, or records entered by law enforcement agencies. To establish an Automated Firearms System record, you may take one of the following actions: Record ownership of a firearm you possess, but were not previously required to report, by submitting a Firearm Ownership Report to the Department. If your last firearm purchase of a long gun was prior to January 1, 2014, there is a possibility you may not have a record in the Automated Firearms System despite having purchased or transferred your firearm through a firearms dealer. The Department was statutorily prohibited from retaining information regarding sales of rifles or shotguns prior to January 1, 2014. As a result, records of rifles and shotguns in the Automated Firearms System prior to January 1, 2014, are limited to assault weapon registrations (Pen. Code, § 30500, et seq.), voluntary reports of ownership, and other records entered by the Department and California law enforcement agencies. You may submit the Firearm Ownership Report through the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). For more information regarding this process please visit the Firearms Reporting and Law Enforcement Release Application page. Record ownership through a purchase or transfer of a firearm from a licensed firearm dealer in California. Updating a Record in the Automated Firearm System Effective July 1, 2019, persons with an outdated Automated Firearms System record will have the ability to update personal information (name, date of birth, Identification number/type, and current address) on their Automated Firearm System record via the CFARS. Please refer to the Department’s Automated Firearms System Personal Information Update page for more information regarding this process. Ammunition Purchases or Transfers Regulations Ammunition Purchases Frequently Asked Questions
Laboratories Certified to Test Handguns
Handgun Testing Certified Laboratories | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Handgun Testing Certified Laboratories Home Firearms Handgun Testing Certified Laboratories Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 31900-32110, effective January 1, 2001, no handgun model may be sold, transferred, manufactured, etc., in California unless that model has been tested by a certified laboratory and subsequently approved by the Department of Justice. * The following laboratories are currently certified by the Department of Justice to test handguns for safety/functionality related to this requirement: Element U.S. Space & Defense 4603B Compass Point Road Belcamp, MD 21017 (410) 297-8154 Professional Analysis and Consulting, Inc. 106 Clow International Parkway, Suite D Bolingbrook, IL 60490 (630) 466-4040 To obtain an application for DOJ Certification (Handgun Testing), please email the Bureau of Firearms at [email protected]
Public Rights Division, Section Descriptions
Division of Public Rights | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Division of Public Rights Home Careers Career Opportunities Division of Public Rights The mission of the Division of Public Rights is to safeguard the state’s environment, lands, and natural resources; maintain competitive markets; prevent fraudulent business practices; protect consumers; monitor Indian and Gaming practices; preserve charitable assets, and protect the civil rights of all Californians. Our Division is organized into the following twelve sections: Antitrust Section enforces state and federal antitrust laws, including challenges to anticompetitive corporate mergers and acquisitions. Charitable Trusts Section has jurisdiction over charitable organizations, trustees, and fundraising professionals operating in California. Civil Rights Enforcement Section protects and promotes the civil rights of all people in California in a broad array of subject areas, including civil liberties, children's rights, constitutional policing, immigrant rights, and workers’ rights. Consumer Protection Section enforces laws that protect Californians against unlawful, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising, and privacy violations. Corporate Fraud Section investigates and prosecutes cases involving energy, securities and commodities fraud, and fraud and other financial wrongdoing perpetrated against the state. It brings complex prosecutions under a wide range of statutes, including the Unfair Competition Law, the California False Claims Act, and Corporate Securities and Commodities Laws. Environment Section enforces state and federal environmental laws affecting California’s natural resources, its communities and public health. Healthcare Rights and Access Section safeguards and promotes the public’s right to equitable, affordable, quality healthcare, including defending women’s reproductive rights, preventing anticompetitive or unfair business activities, protecting patient privacy rights, and holding the tobacco industry accountable. Native American and Tribal Affairs Section consults with, advises, and represents the Governor and the State in connection with tribal-state compact negotiations and litigation. It advises and represents the Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control and the Gambling Control Commission in administrative and judicial proceedings and other state agencies on Indian law issues. Land Use and Conservation Section handles litigation involving lands owned and administered by the state, advises and handles litigation for agencies that regulate natural resources, and advises and handles litigation for land conservancies. Natural Resources Section represents state agencies responsible for enforcing and administering laws and programs that protect California’s environment and natural resources. Police Practices Section The Police Practices Section conducts civil investigations into whether a law enforcement agency has engaged in a pattern and practice of violating state or federal law. The Section is also charged through Assembly Bill 1506, as enacted in Government Code section 12525, subdivision (c)(1), to conduct police shooting reviews and reviews of law enforcement agencies use of force policies. Worker Rights and Fair Labor Section defends California workers and legitimate competition in the State by investigating and prosecuting employers and others who violate minimum labor standards, endanger workplace health and safety, or otherwise subject workers to unlawful working conditions. The unit targets and seeks to remedy systemic unlawful business practices to improve the lives of working Californians and their families.
Information on the Law Enforcement Release Program
Information on the Law Enforcement Release Program | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Information on the Law Enforcement Release Program Home Firearms Information on the Law Enforcement Release Program Attention Beginning December 1, 2021, applicants must electronically submit a Law Enforcement Release (LER) application for the return of firearm(s), ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device(s) via the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). Applicants that do not already have a CFARS account will be required to create an account in order to directly communicate with the Department and to check the status of an application. The Department will no longer accept paper LER application (BOF 119) submissions. Paper applications received via US mail, UPS, FedEx., etc., postmarked after November 30, 2021, will be returned unprocessed with instructions on how to submit the application via CFARS. For more information about CFARS, please visit the Firearms Reporting & Law Enforcement Release Application webpage. The Law Enforcement Release process requires any person who claims title to any firearm, ammunition or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency and who wishes to have the aforementioned items returned, to submit a LER Application form to the California Department of Justice (the Department) to determine eligibility to possess a firearm, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding device. (Penal Code section 33850) LER Application Submission Process Individuals seeking the return of a firearm, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding device that is in the custody or control of a court or law enforcement agency must submit a LER Application along with the appropriate fees to the Department. Additionally, if an individual is seeking the return of a long gun purchased prior to January 1, 2014 which has not been subsequently recorded in their name by either a self reporting application, or registered as an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle, should submit a Firearms Ownership Report application (BOF 4542A), pdf , along with the appropriate fees. An eligibility check will be conducted to determine if the applicant is lawfully eligible to possess firearms, ammunition and/or ammunition feeding devices. A notice of the results will be sent to the applicant via U.S. mail. The notice must be presented to the court or law enforcement agency within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice. Notices over 30 days are considered expired. If you allow your notice to expire, you will need to submit a new application and fees to initiate a new eligibility check.
Public Notice - Zastava SKS Carbines are Considered Destructive Devices
Public Notice - Zastava SKS Carbines Zastava SKS Carbines 59/66 are considered destructive devices in California and therefore may not be purchased, possessed, imported, or kept for sale without a permit. These weapons were incorporated into the Yugoslavian Army in 1966 and are constructed with grenade launchers on them. The factory brochure claims that the grenade launcher launches a 22 mm (approximately .80 caliber) grenade. Based on the information in the factory brochure, this grenade launcher is a destructive device as defined in California Penal Code section 16460. Possession of such a device can be a felony.
Criminal Law Division, Section Descriptions
Division of Criminal Law | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Division of Criminal Law Home Careers Career Opportunities Division of Criminal Law The mission of the Division of Criminal Law is to uphold the Attorney General’s constitutional responsibility to represent the People of California in criminal cases. Our Division is organized into the following four sections: Appeals, Writs and Trials handles post-conviction proceedings, including prosecuting felony criminal appeals in state court and representing the state in habeas corpus cases brought in federal court. Deputies also handle criminal investigations, conduct evidentiary hearings, and prosecute felonies in cases in which the local district attorney has been recused. Deputies appear regularly in the California Court of Appeal, California Supreme Court, United States District Court, and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Correctional Writs & Appeals handles post-conviction proceedings for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Board of Parole Hearings, and the Governor. This section defends the policies of the state’s prison system and ensures convicted felons serve their sentences. Deputies also litigate challenges to conditions of confinement and parole in habeas corpus, mandate, and appellate proceedings brought by incarcerated persons and parolees. They appear regularly in the superior and appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court, and, to a more limited extent, the United States District Courts and the Ninth Circuit. Cybercrime Section investigates and prosecutes multi-jurisdictional cases involving identity theft, cyber-crime, and criminal activity involving the use of electronic devices or networks. The Section also participates in regional high-tech task forces and provides training and support to local agencies on technology-related crime issues. Special Prosecutions Section investigates and prosecutes complex criminal cases occurring in California, primarily related to financial, securities, mortgage, and environmental fraud; public corruption, including violations of California’s Political Reform Act; “underground economy” offenses, including tax and revenue fraud and counterfeiting; and human trafficking. Vertical teams of prosecutors, investigators, auditors, and paralegals often work with federal and local authorities on cases involving multi-jurisdictional criminal activity.
Civil Law Division, Section Descriptions
Division of Civil Law | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Division of Civil Law Home Careers Career Opportunities Division of Civil Law The Deputy Attorneys General within the Civil Division provide skilled legal services to state agencies and officials in trial and appellate litigation, prosecuting and defending matters in state and federal courts and before various administrative tribunals. The Civil Division is organized into the following nine sections: Business Litigation Cannabis Control Correctional Law Employment Litigation Government Law Health, Education, and Welfare Health Quality Enforcement Licensing Tort and Condemnation
Transporting Firearms in California
Transporting Firearms in California Home Firearms Transporting Firearms in California HANDGUNS Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container. Furthermore, the handgun must be carried directly to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and, while being carried must be contained within a locked container. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16850, the term "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported. REGISTERED ASSAULT WEAPONS California Penal Code section 30945, subdivision (g) provides that registered assault weapons may be transported only between specified locations and must be unloaded and stored in a locked container when transported. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16850, the term "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment.
Proposition 65 Enforcement Reporting
Proposition 65 | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General Skip to main content Proposition 65 Home Environment & Public Health Proposition 65 The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 ("Proposition 65") is an initiative statute that protects public health by reducing exposures to toxic chemicals in two principal ways. First, it outlaws discharges of certain toxic chemicals into sources of drinking water. Second, it requires businesses to provide clear and reasonable warnings prior to exposing persons to certain toxic chemicals. The Attorney General’s Prop 65 Enforcement Actions Are Protecting Vulnerable Populations And Minorities The Attorney General is the State’s principal public prosecutor of Proposition 65. Through its enforcement of the second, "right-to-know" prong of Proposition 65, the Attorney General’s Office has a history of compelling companies to remove or to reduce the harmful chemicals in their products and in their air and water emissions as an alternative to providing warnings. The Attorney General is often joined by District Attorneys, City Attorneys and private enforcers in brining Proposition 65 actions." The Attorney General’s Office has a longstanding focus on products that impact vulnerable populations, such as children, and minorities. In addition, the Attorney General strives for comprehensive investigations and enforcement that address systemic violations across an industry or product area, as in the examples below. Lead in Mexican Candy Imported Mexican candy products, which had become highly popular throughout California, contained high levels of lead, resulting in elevated blood lead levels in some children. The Attorney General sued thirty-four Mexican style candy companies, and arranged to have an independent food quality auditor inspect these companies’ facilities in Mexico. The auditor found that the culprit was the unwashed chilis used for the chili powder ingredient, and he devised a set of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), which included using washed chili, careful sourcing of other ingredients, and routine facility inspections to remove sources of lead. All of the defendants signed a settlement agreement which required them to retain an independent food processing auditor (approved by Attorney General), implement the GMPs, stop buying unwashed chilis, and achieve lead levels below 100 ppb. The settlement resulted in an across-the-board reduction of lead levels in Mexican style candy products. Lead in Children’s’ Jewelry After receiving 60-day notices from three private enforcers alleging exposures to lead in jewelry, the Attorney General’s Office initiated an investigation. The investigation revealed that lead occurred primarily in jewelry components made out of plastic and plated metal, including jewelry intended for young children. The Attorney General sued approximately 30 companies that sell jewelry, and later sued some of their suppliers that manufacture the jewelry, for violations of Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law. After a yearlong negotiation, defendants agreed upon comprehensive lead standards for jewelry. The standards are stricter for children’s jewelry. California subsequently passed a law that applies the lead standards to all jewelry sold in California. (HSC §§ 25214.1 et seq.) Brazilian Blowout Brazilian Blowout advertised its product as "Formaldehyde Free." In fact, the Attorney General’s testing showed that it contained liquid formaldehyde (methylene glycol) at levels ranging to from 6% to 10%, and stylists and their customers were exposed to formaldehyde gas (which is a listed as a carcinogen under Proposition 65) when the product was applied. The Attorney General’s settlement required Brazilian Blowout to stop its "formaldehyde free" advertising, provide truthful warnings on its products ("this product releases formaldehyde gas when used as directed") and reduce the formaldehyde levels in the products. Ginger Candy Crystalized ginger candies (popular with pregnant women) had lead levels in excess of 100 ppb, ranging up to 700 ppb. The Attorney General sued the main retailers and manufacturers, and the settlement required these companies to reduce the lead levels to 40 ppb and to hire food quality auditors to implement protocols to reduce the lead content in the candies to the lowest feasible levels. Lead in Artificial Turf Many popular brands of artificial turf had high lead levels of lead (3,000 to 17,000 ppm). The Attorney General’s experts determined that younger children who played on the turf were exposed to lead in excess of the Proposition 65 warning level from hand-to-mouth contact. As a result of the Attorney General’s suit, the main manufacturers of artificial turf (AstroTurf, Field Turf, and Beaulieu) agreed to reduce the lead content to 50 ppm or lower. Lead in Mexican Soda Mexican Coke, Pepsi, Crush and Squirt products were popular in California because they were sweetened with sugar rather than corn syrup. They were sold in returnable bottles which require applied ceramic labels strong enough to withstand repeated washings. These labels had high lead content. Consumers were exposed to the lead by hand-to-mouth contact and when the lead found its way into the bottles during the washing process. As a result of the Attorney General’s Proposition 65 action, all three companies immediately switched to lead fee coatings, phased out all leaded bottles throughout Mexico and retained food quality auditors to ensure there were no additional sources of lead contamination in their facilities. Attorney General Review Of Private Actions Proposition 65 also contains a private enforcement mechanism. Individuals and organizations, such as environmental groups, can sue to correct alleged violations. The Attorney General reviews private actions and settlements, and may even intervene when the private enforcement does not appear to be in the public interest. The Attorney General publishes regulations which provide guidance to plaintiffs and defendants and describe the submission and review process. The Attorney General’s Office maintains an on-line database of Proposition 65 Enforcement Reporting. The database includes information on private party actions and settlements. Proposition 65 Enforcement Reporting
Voter Bill of Rights
Voter Bill of Rights You are here: Home Voter Bill of Rights Where is my ballot? Language services Accessibility services Voter Bill of Rights County Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Voters with disabilities You have the following rights: The right to vote if you are a registered voter. You are eligible to vote if you are: a U.S. citizen living in California registered where you currently live at least 18 years old not in prison for a felony The right to vote if you are a registered voter even if your name is not on the list. You will vote using a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted if election officials determine that you are eligible to vote. The right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close. The right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote. The right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake, if you have not already cast your ballot. You can: Ask an elections official at a polling place for a new ballot, or Exchange your vote-by-mail ballot for a new one at an elections office, or at your polling place, or Vote using a provisional ballot, if you do not have your original vote-by-mail ballot. The right to get help casting your ballot from anyone you choose, except from your employer or union representative. The right to turn in your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place in the county where you are registered to vote. The right to get election materials in a language other than English if enough people in your voting precinct speak that language. The right to ask questions to elections officials about election procedures and watch the election process. If the person you ask cannot answer your questions, they must send you to the right person for an answer. If you are disruptive, they can stop answering you. The right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity to an elections official or to the Secretary of State’s office. On the web at www.sos.ca.gov By phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683) By email at [email protected] If you believe you have been denied any of these rights, call the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). TOP
Voting and Homelessness
Voting and Homelessness You are here: Home Voting Options Voting and Homelessness Voters with disabilities Accessible Voting from Home - RAVBM Voting for Military/Overseas - RAVBM Voting and Homelessness Jail voting toolkit Can I register and vote if I am homeless? Yes, if you are experiencing homelessness or if you are in non-traditional or transitional housing you can still register and vote. What should be listed as my residence address? You can register to vote using a cross street/intersection or landmark such as Clock Tower or Benchlands. When registering to vote this way, a separate mailing address is required. Check with our local homeless shelters or community-based organizations serving people who are unhoused to see if they will allow you to use their address as your residence address. Make sure you get permission before listing their address as your residence address. What can I use for a mailing address? Check with your local homeless shelter or community-based organizations serving people who are unhoused to see if they will allow you to use their address for mail services. You can also sign up for General Delivery through your local post office. You may also use the mailing address of a friend or family member. What if I do not have a mailing address? If you register to vote with a cross street, intersection or landmark and do not have a mailing address to include on your voter registration, you will not be registered to vote. We will not be able to mail you election materials, including your ballot. However, if you went to a voting location during the Election, you could vote, and your ballot will be counted. I am in between housing? If you moved out of your housing and have not re-established a place to live, you may continue to use your last known voting address until a new one is established – even though your intention to return is not certain. This is pursuant to a court case Walters v. Weed (1988) AKA “UCSC Student Voting Case.” 45 Cal.3rd.1. Voters who are students, traveling around the country, or are transient are often in this category. When should you re-register to vote? If you move, change your name, or want to change your political party you need to re-register to vote. If you have completed all the conditions of a felony conviction, you must register to vote again. How do I register to vote? You can pick up a voter registration card at any post office, city hall, library, DMV, or county elections office. You can also register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov if you have a driver’s license or state ID. If you do not have a driver’s license or state ID, you will need to print out the form, sign it and return it.
Voter Services
Voter Services You are here: Home Voter Services County Government Center Address: 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831-454-2060 (Toll Free: 866-282-5900) Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm (We are open during the lunch hour) Contact Staff Email: [email protected] Phone: TDD/TTY-call 711. Or: Go to Federal Communications Commission or deaf and disabled telecommunications program County Holiday Schedule Language services Accessibility services Voter Bill of Rights County Voting & Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (VLAAC) Apply to serve on our County VLAAC! State Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) TOP
Voting for Military/Overseas
Accessible Voting UOCAVA Voters with disabilities Accessible Voting from Home - RAVBM Voting for Military/Overseas - RAVBM Voting and Homelessness Jail voting toolkit Military and Overseas Voters First, you need to sign up. Complete the Registration and Absentee Ballot Request - Federal Postcard Application Application can be FAXed to 831-454-2445 or emailed to [email protected] If you don't have a FAX machine and don't have a scanner, you can take a photo of your application and email it to Nick Bailey. (You will need to locate a FAX machine to return your voted ballot, or you will have to mail it.) Then mail the hard copy of your Federal Postcard Application with wet signature to: Santa Cruz County Elections Attn: Nick Bailey 701 Ocean St., Room 310 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA Ballots will be mailed or emailed (depending on what your selected on your federal postcard application) to military and overseas voters between the 60th and the 45th day before an election. While many military and overseas voters will FAX their ballots back, some rely on mailing ballots through the postal service which is why you are provided with more time to receive, vote and return your ballot. Federal Voting Assistance Program Remote Voting in the Military or Overseas Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail (RAVBM) What Voters who are registered as a service member, eligible spouse/dependent of someone in the military, or an overseas United States citizen can request and receive access to the Remote Accessible Vote by Mail system. Santa Cruz County has selected Dominion Voting Systems Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail (RAVBM) to provide this service. The Remote Accessible Vote by Mail system allows voters who are in the military or overseas to download and mark their ballot, print their marked ballot, and return it to the Elections Office to be counted. When Access the service anytime, day or night during an election period. How Click here and complete the form. Access your ballot We will email you a Voter Access Code to access your ballot. You can then access and mark your ballot using the link emailed to you. Prepare your ballot Once you have completed voting your ballot, print it, and return it using one of the following options: 1. Return your ballot by mail: Place only your voted ballot, and no one else’s, in an envelope. You may use any envelope you have available. Our address is: Santa Cruz County Elections 701 Ocean St., Room 310 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA Sign your name and clearly print your name and address where you are registered to vote in Santa Cruz County on the outside of the envelope. If you cannot sign your name, make a mark and have someone witness it. Your name must be clearly printed near the mark and the witness must sign his/her name as a witness. You must make a mark, having a power of attorney sign the envelope is not allowed. If you don’t want your signature and personal information exposed on the outside of your envelope, use a second envelope and write "Official Ballot Enclosed" on the outside of your envelope. Your ballot must be received by 8:00pm PDT on June 2, 2026 or postmarked by Election Day and received no later than June 9, 2026. 2. Return your ballot by Fax: Fax your voted ballot and Oath of Voter to 831-454-2445. Our office cannot accept your faxed ballot without the Oath of Voter. Your ballot must be received by 8:00pm PDT on June 2, 2026. California Law does not allow you to return your marked ballot to your local elections official by email. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: 831-454-2060 [email protected]
Cancel your voter registration
To cancel your voter registration in Santa Cruz County: Simply click here to print the Voter Registration Cancellation Form. Complete, sign and send to the Elections Department. To return the form, you can: scan and email the form to [email protected], FAX it to 831-454-2445 or mail/deliver it to 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 How do I cancel my registration and remove my name from the jury list? Many voters wish to cancel their registration upon receipt of a jury summons. The Jury Commissioners office utilizes data from our office as well as the DMV, therefore cancelling your registration does not ensure you will not receive a jury summons in the future.
Voters with disabilities
Voters with Disabilities You are here: Home Voters with Disabilities Where is my ballot? Language services Accessibility services Voter Bill of Rights County Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) State Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) Voters with disabilities It is your right to vote independently and privately. Please call the Santa Cruz County Clerk's office at 831-454-2060 or TDD 711 or email [email protected] with questions or suggestions about accessible voting in Santa Cruz County. At the voting location At some voting locations, temporary thresholds, ramps, signage, cones, and door props, are used to improve access to the facility. Voting locations must be made accessible for all people, regardless of ability. Under State and Federal law, all voters must be given the same opportunity for access and participation in the voting process. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from receiving unequal treatment within state and local government services, programs, and activities. (ADA, Title II) This law protects your right to vote by making sure that voters with disabilities have access to: Accessible parking An accessible route to the entrance An accessible entrance An accessible route to the voting area Voting procedures Voting machines The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) protects the right of people with disabilities to vote by making sure that: Voting locations are easy to get to and to use. People who are blind or have problems seeing get the help they need. Voting is private and personal. Each voting location has an accessible voting machine. County Voter Information Guide The Santa Cruz County Voter Information Guide is mailed to all registered voters in the county. Information on local and county races and local measures is contained in this guide. The guide is also available online. State Voter Information Guide The Secretary of State’s Office provides multiple alternative versions of the State Voter Information Guide. Three different audio options are available: cassette, compact disc, or a downloadable MP3 version. A large print guide is also available. These alternative formats are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving copies of either the cassette, compact disc, or large-print version of the State Voter Information Guide, free of charge, please call the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at (916) 657-2166 or visit their website at: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/alt-versions/ For a downloadable audio version of the State Voter Information Guide, please visit: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/alt-versions/ Accessible voting system The poll worker will ask you if you want to vote using a paper ballot or tablet. Each polling place in the county has multiple tablets that are ADA-compliant and have the following features: an audio option that reads the ballot to you a universal plug for a personal assistive device large font a choice of English or Spanish Click here for instructions on how to vote using the tablet. Voting using the paper ballot Instructions for marking and casting your paper ballot are posted in each polling place and in each voting booth. If you have any questions about how to mark or cast your ballot, or if you have incorrectly marked a ballot, contact an elections official for instructions. Click here for instructions on how to vote using a paper ballot. Assistance at the voting location If you need assistance, you may bring someone with you to help you vote, or you may ask for assistance from the elections official. You may ask anyone to help you vote, except for the following people: Your employer An agent of your employer An agent of your union You may also get help in marking your ballot from an elections official. If someone helps you vote, they cannot tell you how to mark your ballot or provide information to others about how you voted. Signing election documents If you are unable to sign your own name and have no other legal mark, make an "X," if possible, on the signature line. If you are unable to make an "X," you must indicate in some manner to the person assisting you that you want to sign your name. The person helping you must sign the election form and attest that you indicated that you want to sign the election form. If you used a signature stamp when you registered to vote, you may use that signature stamp to sign election documents. Curbside voting If you are unable to enter the voting location, you may vote on a paper ballot or tablet from a nearby accessible location, including a car. A poll worker will qualify you to vote and will return the voted ballot to the voting location. To request curbside voting assistance, you can: call the Elections Department in advance to coordinate a time and place have an assistant make the request inside the voting location A ride to the voting location We can arrange to have an accessible van pick you up and take you to a voting location to vote. Please call prior to Election Day to make an appointment. Ballot delivery to your home We can deliver a ballot to your home and return it to the Elections Department. Please call before Election Day so there will be enough time to provide assistance. Accessible Voting at Home Santa Cruz County has a program to allow voters with disabilities to vote remotely from their home computers. Click here for more info. Secretary of State's Web Page for Voters with Disabilities TOP
Change just your mailing address
Change Your Mailing Address This form cannot be used to change your residence address. Instead you will need to re-register to vote with this link. Use this form only if you want your mail to go to a mailing address. If you want to remove a mailing address, just type in "none" under the mailing address field. Having your most current mailing address on file is very important because all voters will be mailed a ballot about 1 month prior to each election.
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