October 27, 2026
If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can visit this site to learn more. Eligible voters who missed that deadline can still register to vote on election day through California’s Conditional Voter Registration.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Under the U.S. Postal Service’s new process, mail dropped off at post offices and mail collection boxes more than 50 miles from a U.S. Postal Service regional hub is collected the next day, instead of the same day. This means that, in some areas, ballots dropped off at a post office or mail collection box on Election Day won’t be postmarked until the day after, making them late. Late ballots are not counted. Californians who plan to return their ballot by mail should do so at least a week before Election Day.
Alternative ways to ensure your vote is counted instead of using the U.S. Postal Service:
- Drop off your ballot at a secure ballot drop-off box or vote center. Ballot drop-off boxes are now open and remain available until Election Day.
- If you’re cutting it close, drop off your completed mail ballot at a vote center on Election Day — do not put it in the mail, it may not be counted.
- Go to any post office and ask at the counter for a postmark on your ballot to ensure you get credit for mailing your ballot on time.
The rights available to the public when voting are listed in the California Voter Bill of Rights. Denial of any of these rights can be reported in English through the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Other language options, including Spanish, Tagalog, and Chinese, are available. In addition, reports can be made via email at elections@sos.ca.gov. Voters can track their ballot throughout the electoral process at WheresMyBallot.com.
