Election Information
If you're getting ready to vote for the first time, this short video can help. It goes over the basic requirements for voting in the U.S., and explains why it's important to know your state's specific rules for voting.
To register to vote in California, you must be:
• A United States citizen and a resident of California;
• 18 years old or older on Election Day;
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony; and
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
If you are eligible, you can register to vote or update your registration online at https://castudentvote.org/. If you would like to fill out a physical form, voter registration applications can be found at post offices and libraries. You must re-register to vote if you move, change your name, or change your political party preference.
May 4, 2026: Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by this date
May 5, 2026: Ballot drop-off locations open (vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or your county elections office
May 18, 2026: Last Day to register to vote for the Primary Election
May 23, 2026 - June 1st: Early Voting Days 10am-7pm.
Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter's Choice Act counties
June 2, 2026: California Primary Election Day 7am-8pm
(Note: If you are still in lie by 8pm on Election Night, you will still be able to vote.)
Voter Registration Deadlines:
In Person: 15 days before Election Day
By Mail: Postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9, 2026
Online: 15 days before Election Day June 2, 2026 Primary Election
* If the voter registration deadline has passed, you can still conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot in person at your County Elections Office at any time up to and including Election Day. You can also conditionally register at your polling place on Election Day. Your provisional ballot will be counted when your County Elections Official verifies your voter registration.
Conditional registration may also be available in County Elections satellite offices and vote centers.
June 2, 2026: Primary Election day. Last day to return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail with prepaid postage postmarked on or before this date. You can also vote in-person by returning your ballot to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026.
September 15, 2026: National Voter Registration Day
November 3, 2026: General Election Day
Your general Election ballot will include
-
Ballot Propositions
-
Statewide candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Member of State Board of Equalization, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
-
U.S. Representative in Congress, State Senator, State Assembly Member
-
Supreme Court Justices, as well as other local candidates and local measures.
Finding voting information and fact checking
-
Ballotready.org allows you to type in your address and see who your candidate is and what referendum are going to be on your ballot.
-
Ballotpedia.org allows you to enter their address to get information on ballot measures, candidates, information about candidates, polling locations, and hours for your location and more. Ballotpedia.org also has information about different political parties. Click here to learn more about different political parties.
• Statewide election vote counts can be found at electionresults.sos.ca.gov
• Follow Twitter @CASOSvote
• Sign up for E-updates at https://goo.gl/BB7zb4
Quick Facts in Different Languages: