By admin 
Election Day is nearing.
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.
If you’re scheduled to work when polls are open, can you take time off to vote in California?
Here’s what California voters need to know 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.
Can I still register to vote after deadline?
The last day to register to vote in the 2026 general election was 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 are open, 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.
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.
When are California polls open?
On Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 3 — polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to vote.
“No voters who arrive after the polls close may cast votes,” the California Secretary of State said on its website.
At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.
Can I take time off work to vote in California?
Under California Elections Code, California workers can take time off to vote if they don’t have enough time outside of working hours to cast a ballot while polls are open.
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“No more than two hours of the time taken off for voting shall be without loss of pay,” the law says.
The time away from work to vote should be taken at the — whichever causes the least disruption to the workday — unless the employer and employee agree on another arrangement.
According to California’s Elections Code, employers should also post a notice about voting leave at least 10 days before a statewide election in a place where employees can easily see it.
“The intent of the law is to provide an who would not be able to do so because of their jobs,” the California Secretary of State said.
If you think you’ll need extra time off work to vote, your employer can ask you to give advance notice at least .
Employers cannot require workers to bring their mail ballots to fill it out while on the job to save time away from work, according to California Elections Code.
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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