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California voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots in the 2026 general election.
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However, you don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote.
County elections officials began mailing ballots to registered voters on Oct. 5, and early voting is available at designated locations across the state, according to the California Secretary of State.
What happens if you make a mistake while filling out your ballot? Can you correct it before submitting your vote?
Here’s what California voters need to know about fixing ballot errors ahead of the 2026 general election:
When is the 2026 general election in California?
California’s 2026 general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Voters will decide races and statewide ballot measures, with 14 measures currently qualified for the November ballot.
The measures address topics including housing, taxes, elections, healthcare and other state policies.
Who is eligible to vote in California?
According to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Bill of Rights, you’re eligible to vote in California if:
- You are a U.S. citizen residing in California.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You’re registered to vote where you currently reside.
- You are not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony.
- A court has not found you incompetent to vote.
How do I register to vote in California?
You can register online to vote through the Secretary of State’s website.
Voter registration forms are also available at county elections offices.
Once submitted, you’ll be notified when your registration is approved — or if more information is needed.
You can check your voter registration status in California by visiting the Secretary of State website.
When is the last day to register to vote in 2026 election?
If you are not yet registered to vote, the last day to register to vote in the 2026 general election is Monday, Oct. 19.
However, California offers same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration, as a way to help ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast a vote on Election Day — even if they missed the deadline.
On Election Day, you can register to vote at your county elections office, any polling place or a vote center.
When can I vote in California 2026 general election?
California’s early voting period is already underway.
Select Early Voting sites opened on Oct. 5, according to the California Secretary of State.
Secure ballot drop-off locations are also available during the voting period.
Voters can use the Secretary of State’s early voting site to find nearby drop boxes, voting locations and vote centers.
California’s voting period runs through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Voters who mail their ballots should return them as soon as possible.
Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted, and California allows ballots postmarked by the deadline to arrive at county elections offices for up to seven days after the election.
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How do I fix a mistake on my California ballot?
California voters have up to three chances to cast their ballot, including the original one, if they make a mistake, according to California Elections Code.
You can take your incorrectly marked ballot to your county elections office to exchange it for a new one.
To find your county elections office, visit the California Secretary of State website.
You can also fix a mistake by completing an and submitting it to your local county elections office.
According to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, mistakes can also be corrected by simply indicating the correction on your original ballot.
“Please do not initial or sign your name after the correction,” the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters said.
How late can I vote in California?
The last day to vote in California is Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
According to California’s Voter Bill of Rights, you have the “right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close.”
“If a voter is in line to vote when the polls close they have the right to vote,” the California Secretary of State’s Office previously told The Sacramento Bee via email.
The latest time to get in line is 7:59 p.m.
“The lines will be cut off at 8 p.m.,” the California Secretary of State said.
How late can I mail my California ballot?
When mailing in your ballot, the California Secretary of State said, the ballot “must be postmarked on or before Election Day” and received no later than seven days after Election Day.
How do I track my ballot in California?
The California Secretary of State has created a system to notify registered voters when their ballots are mailed, received and counted.
Where’s My Ballot? allows voters to receive updates through text message, email or phone call regarding their ballot’s status and any potential issues.
You can sign up online to track your California ballot.
Have a question about the 2026 general election?
You can ask the California service journalism team by submitting questions directly to our reporters by emailing [email protected] or by filling out the form below.
We have reporters covering Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced.
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