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California elections in 2026

This page lists California statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in California​

Start with the official California voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

California voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.
  • May 19, 2026 — Same Day Registration: Same Day Registration available. Voters can "conditionally" register and vote a provisional ballot during this time.

Online​

Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. If you are enrolled in California's confidential address program, Safe At Home, please do not apply to register to vote using the online option. Contact the Safe At Home program toll-free at (877) 322-5227 or by the Safe At Home email - http: //www. sos. ca. gov/registries/safe-home/

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Pick up a paper voter registration application at any Department of Motor Vehicles field office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices, or request one from your county elections office. To receive a voter registration application by mail from the Secretary of State, call the toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683

Deadlines

In Person​

You must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election and ending on the seventh day prior to election day. Otherwise, the deadline to register to vote is at least 15 days before Election Day.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Same Day Voter Registration is available to Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. A new citizen is eligible to register and vote at the office of, or at another location designated by, the county elections official at any time beginning on the 14th day before an election and ending at the close of polls on the election day following the date on which that person became a citizen.

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in California​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • April 18, 2026 — Deadline To Send Absentee Ballots to UOCAVA: Last day for county elections officials to transmit ballots and balloting materials to absent military and overseas voters who have requested them by this date
  • May 4, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting sites open
  • May 4, 2026 — First Day for County clerks to mail ballots to voters: County elections office will begin mailing ballots to voters by May 4, 2026.

Voter ID requirements in California​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: California voter ID requirements.

California election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 2, 2026​

Statewide Primary election. Polling locations are established by county elections officials and are open from 7: 00 a. m. to 8: 00 p. m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. To find a location to vote early before Election Day, visit caearlyvoting. sos. ca. gov. All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.

Important dates​

  • April 18, 2026 — Deadline To Send Absentee Ballots to UOCAVA: Last day for county elections officials to transmit ballots and balloting materials to absent military and overseas voters who have requested them by this date
  • May 4, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting sites open
  • May 4, 2026 — First Day for County clerks to mail ballots to voters: County elections office will begin mailing ballots to voters by May 4, 2026.
  • May 5, 2026 — Ballot drop-off locations open: Ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.
  • May 19, 2026 — Same Day Registration: Same Day Registration available. Voters can "conditionally" register and vote a provisional ballot during this time.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 5, 2026 — All-Mail voting begins: Early voting start times vary by county. In general, early voting starts 29 days before Election Day.
  • October 6, 2026 — Voting By Mail Ballot Return Starts: All vote by mail ballot drop-off locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than 28 days before the day of the election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Pick up a paper voter registration application at any Department of Motor Vehicles field office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices, or request one from your county elections office. To receive a voter registration application by mail from the Secretary of State, call the toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. If you are enrolled in California's confidential address program, Safe At Home, please do not apply to register to vote using the online option. Contact the Safe At Home program toll-free at (877) 322-5227 or by the Safe At Home email - http: //www. sos. ca. gov/registries/safe-home/.
  • October 20, 2026 — Voter registrayion begins for new residents: Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election.
  • October 27, 2026 — Voter registration ends for new residents: Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election and ending on the seventh day prior to election day. Otherwise, the deadline to register to vote is at least 15 days before Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Voting By Mail Ballot Retun Deadline: All vote by mail ballot drop-off locations shall be open during regular business hours on Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — All-Mail voting ends: Early voting end times vary by county. In general early voting ends on Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Same Day Voter Registration is available to Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. A new citizen is eligible to register and vote at the office of, or at another location designated by, the county elections official at any time beginning on the 14th day before an election and ending at the close of polls on the election day following the date on which that person became a citizen.

Official California election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.