Voting in
California
Your Voting Cheat Sheet
California automatically mails every registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters can also vote in person at vote centers or drop off their ballot at any drop box. Same-day registration is available through Election Day using conditional voter registration.
Upcoming Elections in California
Los Angeles Municipal Election
Los Angeles holds municipal elections for city council seats and other local offices. These elections use a nonpartisan format with a runoff if no candidate wins a majority.
- • City Council (odd-numbered districts)
- • City Attorney
- • Local ballot measures
California 47th Congressional District Special Election
A special election to fill a vacant U.S. House seat in California's 47th Congressional District. All candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party.
- • U.S. House of Representatives, 47th District
California Primary Election
California uses a top-two primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
- • U.S. Senate nomination
- • U.S. House nominations (all 52 districts)
- • Governor nomination
- +2 more
2026 Federal Midterm General Election
The 2026 midterm general election determines control of Congress and numerous governorships. All 435 U.S. House seats, approximately 33-34 U.S. Senate seats, and 36 governorships are on the ballot.
- • U.S. Senate (33-34 seats)
- • U.S. House of Representatives (all 435 seats)
- • Gubernatorial races (36 states)
- +3 more
Registration Deadlines
Quick Facts
Voter ID Requirements
California does not require photo ID to vote. First-time voters who did not provide ID when registering may need to show identification at the polls.
Early Voting
Absentee / Mail-In Voting
Election Day Polling Hours
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Key Facts
- Every registered voter receives a mail ballot automatically
- Same-day voter registration is available at any vote center through Election Day
- No photo ID is required to vote
- Vote centers are open for at least 4 days before Election Day, with some open for 11 days
- California offers automatic voter registration through the DMV
Official Resources
Find Your Polling Place
Enter your address to find your specific polling location and see what's on your ballot.
Lookup NowGet California Election Reminders
We'll email you before registration deadlines and elections in California.
From the Digest Network
Want to know who's funding these candidates?
Track the bills your representatives are voting on.