October 5
Ballots begin mailing
County elections officials begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots no later than this date. Early-voting sites also begin opening.
California election calendar
Four dates to put on your calendar
October 19
Registration deadline
This is the online and postmark deadline for the November general election. Missed it? Conditional registration remains available in person.
October 24
Vote centers expand
The first vote centers open for early in-person voting in counties using the Voter's Choice Act model.
November 3
Election Day
Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
Dates above are summarized from the California Secretary of State's 2026 general-election calendar. Local elections and location hours can vary.
A simple voting checklist
Go from “I should vote” to a finished plan
Check or update your registration
Use the state's official registration and voter-status tools. Re-register if you moved, changed your name, or want to update your political-party preference.
Review your personalized ballot
Enter your address in CA Votes to see available contests and representatives. Treat the official state and county voter guides as authoritative.
Choose mail, drop box, or in-person voting
If voting by mail, return the ballot early. The state recommends mailing it at least seven days before Election Day; you may also use an official drop-off location.
Verify your location before leaving
Polling locations and hours can change. Confirm yours through the Secretary of State or your county elections office, especially on Election Day.
Authoritative resources
Confirm with an official California source
Common questions
California voting questions
Can I register after October 19?
Eligible Californians who miss the regular deadline can use Conditional Voter Registration at a county elections office, vote center, polling place, or other participating location during the 14 days before Election Day, including Election Day. Confirm locations with your county.
When do vote-by-mail ballots go out?
County elections officials begin mailing ballots no later than October 5, 2026. If yours does not arrive, contact your county elections office for replacement options.
How late are polling places open?
California polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026. Verify your assigned location before traveling.
Is CA Votes an official election website?
No. CA Votes is an independent, nonpartisan navigation tool. Official state and county election sources remain authoritative.