When is the upcoming election?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Who is eligible for a mail-in ballot?
Every active registered voter in California receives a vote-by-mail ballot, with a prepaid return envelope, from their county elections office. You may choose to vote by mail even if you normally vote in person.
How do I complete and return my mail-in ballot?
Mark your ballot per the instructions. Seal it inside the official return envelope. Sign and date the outside of the envelope. Your signature should match what is on file.
- By mail, postmarked by Election Day and received by the county within 7 days
- At a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
- In person at a polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
What are the deadlines and postmark rules?
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. The county elections office must receive it within 7 days after Election Day. Drop box and in-person returns must occur by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Because of recent United States Postal Service changes, ballots mailed on Election Day in a community more than 50 miles from a regional mail processing center may not receive a same-day postmark and could be rejected.
To help make sure your vote counts, California Attorney General Rob Bonta advises mailing your ballot early or using a secure drop box.
Can I vote in person if I already requested a mail-in ballot?
Yes. Bring your unused mail-in ballot to your polling place and exchange it for an in-person ballot, or submit it in its envelope as directed and vote in person. If you do not bring your mail ballot, you can cast a provisional ballot.
What if I lose my ballot, never get one, or make a mistake?
You may request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot through your county elections office. If the signature envelope is missing or there is a signature mismatch, many counties allow a cure process so you can supply or confirm your signature and keep your ballot from being rejected.
How can I track my ballot status?
Sign up for
Where’s My Ballot? to receive text, email, or voice updates when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted.
Why is it risky to mail on Election Day?
Because of USPS policy changes, ballots mailed on Election Day in some regions may be postmarked a day late. Only ballots postmarked on or before Election Day are valid. Do not wait until Election Day to mail your ballot; use a drop box or deliver it in person as early as possible.
