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State Election Guide

California election dates and voting deadlines for 2026

California 2026 election dates. Find registration deadlines, conditional registration, and vote-by-mail return dates. Official sources included.

Next listed election: November 3, 2026

Check official voting information ↗

See my registration and voting options

Make your plan

Registration and ways to vote

Choose the voting method that works for you. Deadlines depend on that method. Check the time and delivery requirements, not just the date. Military, overseas, and emergency voting may have separate rules.

01

Register

Register online or with a paper application. After October 19, eligible voters can conditionally register and vote provisionally at designated locations through Election Day.

  • Mail registration deadline

    Regular registration closes October 19. Eligible voters who miss it may use conditional registration through Election Day.

    Official deadline source
  • Online registration deadline

    Regular registration closes October 19. Eligible voters who miss it may use conditional registration through Election Day.

    Official deadline source
  • Regular in-person registration deadline

    Regular registration closes October 19. Eligible voters who miss it may use conditional registration through Election Day.

    Official deadline source
  • Conditional registration: final day

    From October 20 through November 3, eligible voters can register in person and cast a provisional ballot at designated locations.

    Official deadline source
Check official registration options ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

03

Vote by mail

Registered voters receive a mail ballot automatically. Return it to an authorized location by Election Day or mail it with a timely postmark; the receipt deadline is separate.

  • Mail ballots and drop-off locations

    Counties begin sending ballots to registered voters by October 5, and drop-off locations open by this date.

    Official deadline source
  • Mail ballot postmark or hand-return deadline

    Postmark by Election Day or deliver to an authorized voting location or drop box by 8 p.m.

    Official deadline source
  • Postmarked ballot receipt deadline

    Your county elections office must receive timely postmarked mail ballots by November 10.

    Official deadline source
Review absentee eligibility and instructions ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

04

Election Day

November 3, 2026. Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.. Check your official ballot, voting location, and identification requirements before you go.

Find official Election Day information ↗

Source review: 2026-10-19

Date labels compare calendar dates in Pacific time; “Today” does not mean the cutoff time has not passed. Confirm local times with your election office.

Before You Vote

Key voting questions

How can I find my polling location?

Use the California election office lookup or contact your local election office before Election Day.

California voter information lookup

Use California’s voter information resource to review your personal voting information.

  • Check your Voter Registration Status
  • Check where you are registered to vote
  • Check your political party preference
  • Check your Polling Place Location
  • View Your Sample Ballot

Who can vote in primaries in California?

For voter-nominated offices, all voters may choose any candidate regardless of party; the top two advance to the general election. Presidential and party-committee contests use different rules.

Page generated: October 19, 2026. Generated from structured election data and official source links. Confirm final details with state or local election officials.