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California Voter Resource Center

Every two years, voters get a chance to choose who will lead our local, state, and national governments, and to directly impact specific issues through the ballot initiative process. Below you will find information and resources to help you participate by making a plan to vote in the 2026 California General Election.

California Election Information

Voter Registration Information

  • Verity your voter registration status here
  • Register to vote here
  • Voter registration deadline is October 19, 2026
  • Even if you miss the deadline, in California you can still register when you vote in-person!

General Election Information

  • Find your polling place here
  • Find Official Ballot Drop Boxes and other drop-off locations here
  • Find early in-person voting locations here
  • Browse the California Official Voter Information Guide here
  • Find answers to frequently asked questions here
  • Watch videos with useful information about voting here
  • Get assistance for voters with disabilities here

2026 Dates to Remember

October 5, 2026

Ballots mailed out!
County elections officials will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots on or before this date, which can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or to your county elections office.

October 6, 2026

Voting begins!
Ballot drop-off locations open.

  • Find Official Ballot Drop Boxes or other drop-off locations here
  • Check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot here

October 24, 2026

Early in-person voting begins!
Locations open for early in-person voting in Los Angeles and other Voter’s Choice Act counties. (Locations in other counties open by October 31, 2026)

  • Find an early voting location here
  • If you missed the October 19 voter registration deadline, in California you can still register when you vote in-person!

November 3, 2026 • Election Day!

Polls are open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Find your polling place here
  • If you missed the October 19 voter registration deadline, in California you can still register when you vote in-person!
  • Ballots can be returned at Official Ballot Drop Boxes or other drop-off locations by 8:00pm today. Find a list here
  • Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by today (November 3). To ensure your ballot is postmarked in time to be counted make sure to mail it at least 7 days in advance.  If mailing a ballot on November 3, get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
  • If you encounter problems when voting you can call the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-8683.