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Planning to vote in the California 2026 general election?
County elections officials began mailing ballots to registered voters Oct. 5 — and California voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots.
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What happens if you lose, damage or accidentally throw away your ballot before Election Day?
Here’s what California voters should do to make sure their vote is still counted in the upcoming 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.
How late can I wait to register to vote in 2026 election?
The last day to register 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 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.
Can you still vote in California if you lost your ballot?
According to the California Secretary of State Office, you can apply for a replacement ballot if you didn’t receive, lost or accidentally destroyed your original vote-by-mail ballot.
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Only the registered voter may request a replacement ballot, the department said.
To, fill out an application and return it your local county elections office.
You can also request a replacement ballot from your county elections office by phone or email, according to the California Secretary of State website.
What can I do if my ballot was mailed to my old address?
If you recently moved and your ballot was sent to an old address, you should contact your county elections office immediately to request a replacement ballot.
“You can also visit a polling place or vote center in your new county to obtain a replacement ballot or vote in person,” the state agency said. “This ensures you receive the correct ballot for your new address and that your vote is counted.”
Do I need a new ballot if I moved to a different city?
If you moved to a new city within the same county, you do not need a new ballot to vote in California.
If you recently moved to a new county, the California Secretary of State Office said, you should register at your new county’s elections office, polling place or vote center to update your registration and receive the correct ballot.
The state department said you should contact your new county elections office or visit a voting location to get a new mail-in ballot and “ensure your vote counts.”
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.”
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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