By admin 
Get ready, California voters.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, is National Voter Registration Day in 2026.
According to the California Secretary of State, National Voter Registration Day is a nationwide effort to encourage eligible voters to register and prepare for upcoming elections.
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“National Voter Registration Day is recognized across the United States and uses the strength of volunteers, organizations and businesses to spread the word about the importance of preparing for Election Day by registering to vote,” the California Secretary of State said on its website.
California’s next statewide election is nearing.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and county elections officials will soon begin mailing ballots.
Here’s what California voters should know about registering to vote in 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. They cover issues including housing, taxes and healthcare.
When will I get my ballot in the mail?
County elections offices will begin mailing ballots on Monday, Oct. 5.
Early Voting sites will also open that day, depending on the county.
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.
When is the last day to register to vote in 2026 election?
The last day to register to vote in the 2026 general election is Monday, Oct. 19.
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How can I check if I’m already registered to vote in California?
You can check your voter registration status in California by visiting the Secretary of State website.
To look it up, you’ll need your full name, date of birth and either your California driver’s license or ID number — or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you don’t have that information, you can contact your county elections office or call the Secretary of State at 800-345-8683.
You might need to re-register if you’ve changed your name or moved and didn’t update your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Postal Service.
What if I miss the voter registration deadline?
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.
Be sure to arrive before polls close at 8 p.m.
As long as you’re in line by the 8 p.m. deadline, you’ll still be able to vote.
You can look up your closest polling place online.
What do I need to bring with me for same-day voter registration?
Since you will be registering to vote, you will need a form of identification.
of ID to bring to your polling place include:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Official state identification card
- Student identification card showing your name and photograph
- Last four digits of your social security number
Your ballot will be “processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process,” the California Secretary of State said.
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