Request to Purchase Voter Information or Election Data
Voter Registration Information
In California, certain details provided by voters when they register such as street address, phone number, driver’s license or ID number, and precinct number are considered confidential under state law. This information is not subject to the California Public Records Act (PRA) and cannot be released to the public.
However, eligible individuals and organizations may request this information if they meet specific legal criteria and complete the required Voter Information request Form. Access is granted only for authorized uses defined by state law and after approval by the Registrar of Voters Office.
Who Can Request Voter Registration Data?
Under California Elections Code §§ 2187, 2188, and 2194, the following individuals or groups are legally permitted to request access to voter registration data:
Candidates running for federal, state, or local office
Committees supporting or opposing ballot measures (initiatives, referenda, recalls, or bond issues)
Individuals or organizations for election-related, scholarly, journalistic, or political purposes
Government agencies as authorized by the California Secretary of State
What Are “Election-Related Purposes”?
Campaign outreach or voter contact
Political research or analysis
Conducting polls or surveys
Voter education and engagement
Informing voters about ballot measures or elections
Using data for marketing, business development, or non-political purposes is strictly prohibited.
What Information Is Provided (and What Is Not)?
Included in a Voter File:
Voter’s name, date of birth, address, party preference
Precinct and major district information
Voter participation history (not how a person voted). There is an additional fee to include voter participation history.
Not Included:
Driver’s license or ID numbers
Social Security numbers
Signatures
Confidential voter records (e.g., voters under protective status)
Records of pre-registered voters under age 18
How to Request Confidential Voter Data
To obtain voter data, an eligible requester must:
Complete and return the Application for Voter Registration Information either in person or by mail to the Tulare County Registrar of Voters Office at 5300 W. Tulare Ave., Suite 105, Visalia, Ca 93277
Include a wet signature on the application
Provide a detailed description of the data requested
Provide a detailed description of the intended use of the data
Provide a detailed explanation of how the voter registration information will be maintained securely and confidentially
If applying on behalf of candidate, organization or committee:
Name and contact info of the organization
A signed authorization letter. The letter must state that the candidate, organization or committee is aware the request is being made on their behalf and that they explicitly authorize the requester to receive the voter registration information.
A clear copy of the applicant’s current driver’s license or state ID
Misuse Warning & Legal Consequences
Unauthorized use of voter information is a misdemeanor
Violators may be fined $0.50 per misuse per record
Data cannot be sold, leased, loaned, or shared without written permission from the Secretary of State or the county elections official
Processing Time & Delivery
Requests will be processed in the order received. The Registrar of Voters office will determine whether the application is complete, the requestor meets the legal criteria to receive the information, and if state law permits the proposed use of the voter registration information. Once approved, the processing times are as follows:
In-person requests: Typically ready within 1 business day
Mail-in requests: Typically mailed the next business day
Please be advised that processing times may be vary due to staff availability, particularly during election periods when resources are prioritized for election-related responsibilities.
End Use
Once the requested information has been received by the applicant, the Registrar of Voters office is not responsible for providing technical support or training related to the processing or use of the purchased data files. Additionally, no refunds will be issued after the voter registration information has been delivered to the applicant.
Accepted forms of payment
Cash
Check
Money Order
Credit/Debit Card (2.25% convenience fee)
If you have any questions or would like additional information on purchasing a Voter Information or Election Data, please contact the Registrar of Voters IT Unit at: 559-839-2100 or [email protected]