By admin 
California voters are gearing up to cast their ballots in the 2026 general election.
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County elections officials began mailing ballots to registered voters on Oct. 5 — and select Early Voting sites are already open, according to the California Secretary of State.
Voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots, but they don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote.
Whether you’re planning on voting by mail or voting at the polls on Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 3 — here’s what you need to know about the ballot deadline:
What is California voting on in 2026 general election?
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.
Am I 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.
When are California early voting centers open?
California’s early voting period is already underway.
Select Early Voting sites opened on Oct. 5, according to the California Secretary of State.
Early voting centers are typically open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — but times and dates can vary by county.
Secure ballot drop-off locations are also available during the voting period, with varying available drop-off times.
Voters can use the Secretary of State’s early voting site to find nearby drop boxes, voting locations and vote centers.
When are California polls open?
On Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 3 — all polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How late is too late to vote in California?
California’s voting period runs through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The last day to vote is 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.
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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.
Can I be turned away at the polls on Election Day?
If you’re eligible to vote and are in line before the polls close, you cannot be turned away.
California law says residents must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day.
However, you can still cast a ballot on Election Day, according to the California Secretary of State.
If you get to the polls and your name is not on the list of registered voters, ask for a provisional ballot.
According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, registered voters have the even if they’re not on the registration list or if their voter eligibility is challenged by an election official.
A provisional ballot ensures your vote is counted even if there’s an issue with your registration on Election Day.
Your vote will be counted once officials confirm that you’re registered in that county and haven’t already voted in the current election.
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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