California Voting Guide

In California, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 15 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 19; mail: Must be postmarked 15 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 19; in-person: Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration at county offices and vote centers through Nov. 3.

Early voting schedule: Every active voter is mailed a ballot starting Oct. 5. You can vote in person at your county elections office from Oct. 5, and in Voter's Choice Act counties vote centers open by Oct. 24. Absentee ballot request deadline: No request is needed, because counties mail a ballot to every active registered voter beginning by Oct. 5. To replace a lost ballot, ask your county elections office, ideally by Oct. 27. Ballot return deadline: Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10, or you can use a drop box, polling place, vote center, or county office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

ID requirement for California: Most voters don't need ID. You may be asked for one only if you're voting for the first time in a federal election and registered by mail or online without a California ID or Social Security number. A utility bill, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address also works. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official California election authority before Election Day.