How to get your California voter file
California isn't pre-loaded, so you provide the voter file and we load it into Motion51 for you. Here's the official source — request it from the state, send us the file, and you're ready to cut turf.
- Where to request it
- California Secretary of State - Elections DivisionVoter File Requests / 1500 11th Street, 5th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 / 916-657-2166 / [email protected]
- Cost
- $15 per 1,000 records, capped at $100 total for the full statewide file (~22M voters). Specific-voter records (max 10 per application): $30 per record, capped at $100. Confidential contact info (where authorized): $15/1,000, capped at $100. Payment by check to 'Secretary of State'.
- How to request
- Download and complete the California Voter Registration File Request application (PDF at elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/pdfs/voter-file-application.pdf). Mail or hand-deliver original application with wet signature, clear copy of current government-issued photo ID, written description of intended use under one of the four permitted purposes (election, scholarly, journalistic, political), and payment to the SOS Elections Division. Email and fax submissions are NOT accepted.
- Turnaround
- Typically 2-6 weeks from receipt of complete application. Faster during off-election windows; slower in the 60 days before a statewide election when staff is consumed with election ops. SOS will return incomplete applications and restart the clock.
Costs and rules change — confirm the current details on the official page before you order. Each state also has use restrictions on voter data — check the official agency link above for the specifics. Once you have the file, we handle loading it, cutting turf, and getting your volunteers knocking.
Read the full step-by-step guide: how to get the California voter file →
Running in a specific county?
Many local races only need a single county's voter file — usually cheaper and faster than the whole state. We have the exact how-to for these California counties:
Thinking about running in California?
The filing windows, fees vs. petitions, and which offices are on the ballot — in plain English, with the official links.
Get set up in California
California is fully available. Tell us about your race and we'll help you get your district's voter file loaded into Motion51 and your turf ready to walk.