Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
California poll hours for the next listed election are 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m..
State Election Guide
California election dates and voter deadlines
California 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.
Before You Vote
Key voting questions
How can I find my polling location?
Voter Information Lookup can help you check your voter registration status, check where you are registered to vote, and check your political party preference.
What's on the California ballot in 2026?
California's current statewide calendar includes California General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.
Who can vote in primaries in California?
The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, which took effect January 1, 2011, created "voter-nominated" offices. The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act does not apply to candidates running for U.S. President, county central committees, or local offices.
Election Calendar
California current and upcoming election dates
California General Election 2026
November 3, 2026
November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November
Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Official California General Election 2026 source
Key deadlines
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All-Mail voting begins
Early voting start times vary by county. In general, early voting starts 29 days before Election Day.
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Voting By Mail Ballot Return Starts
All vote by mail ballot drop-off locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than 28 days before the day of the election.
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Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment
Pick up a paper voter registration application at any Department of Motor Vehicles field office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices, or request one from your county elections office. To...
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Voter Registration Deadline In Person
You must be registered to vote at least 15 days before Election Day.
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Voter Registration Deadline Online
Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. If you are enrolled in California's confidential address program, Safe At Home, please do not apply to register to vote using the online option. Contact the...
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Voter registration begins for new residents
Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election.
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Voter registration ends for new residents
Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election and ending on the seventh day prior to election day. Otherwise, the deadline to register to vote is at...
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All-Mail voting ends
Early voting end times vary by county. In general early voting ends on Election Day.
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Election Day Voter Registration Deadline
Same Day Voter Registration is available to Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. A new citizen is eligible to register and vote at the...
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Voting By Mail Ballot Retun Deadline
All vote by mail ballot drop-off locations shall be open during regular business hours on Election Day.
Election Day Rules
Voting on Election Day in California
Time off for voting: Yes
(a) If a voter does not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote at a statewide election, the voter may, without loss of pay, take off enough working time that, when added to the voting time available outside of working hours, will enable the voter to vote. (b) No more than two hours of the time taken off for voting shall be without loss of pay. The time off for voting shall be only at the beginning or end of the...
Voting at the polls on Election Day
The address of your polling place is on the back page of the sample ballot booklet that your county elections official mailed to you. If you do not have the booklet, contact your county elections office, or call the Secretary of State's toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Even if your name is not on the voter list at the polling place, you have the right to vote with a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot...
Voter ID: None
Can I register at the polls on Election Day?
Yes. California lists same-day or Election Day registration. Registration for new residents and new citizens shall be in progress beginning with the 14th day prior to an election and ending on the seventh day prior to election day. Otherwise, the deadline to register to vote is at least 15 days before Election Day.