2026 California Elections
Key 2026 state and federal election dates for California, plus voter registration and absentee resources.
Next election in California
General Election
- In-person early voting
- October 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
- California counties open in-person early voting at least 10 days before Election Day (many earlier), running through the day before the election.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- October 19, 2026
- Online/mail registration closes 15 days before the election, but California allows same-day conditional registration through Election Day.
- Mail ballot request / update
- November 3, 2026
- California mails every active registered voter a ballot automatically, so no separate no-excuse request deadline applies beyond registration.
- Mail ballot return
- Postmark by November 3, 2026; must arrive by November 10, 2026
- Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day (or turned in to a drop box/polling place by 8 p.m.) may arrive up to 7 days later and still count.
Key dates
State & Federal Elections
Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from California's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow detailsHide details
Top-two primary — all candidates on one ballot
- In-person early voting
- May 23, 2026 – June 1, 2026
- California counties open in-person early voting at least 10 days before Election Day (many earlier), running through the day before the election.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- May 18, 2026
- Online/mail registration closes 15 days before the election, but California allows same-day conditional registration through Election Day.
- Mail ballot request / update
- June 2, 2026
- California mails every active registered voter a ballot automatically, so no separate no-excuse request deadline applies beyond registration.
- Mail ballot return
- Postmark by June 2, 2026; must arrive by June 9, 2026
- Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day (or turned in to a drop box/polling place by 8 p.m.) may arrive up to 7 days later and still count.
- 22 days away
General Election
NOV032026Tuesday- In-person early voting
- October 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
- California counties open in-person early voting at least 10 days before Election Day (many earlier), running through the day before the election.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- October 19, 2026
- Online/mail registration closes 15 days before the election, but California allows same-day conditional registration through Election Day.
- Mail ballot request / update
- November 3, 2026
- California mails every active registered voter a ballot automatically, so no separate no-excuse request deadline applies beyond registration.
- Mail ballot return
- Postmark by November 3, 2026; must arrive by November 10, 2026
- Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day (or turned in to a drop box/polling place by 8 p.m.) may arrive up to 7 days later and still count.
Official voter lookup
Find Your Polling Place in California
Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in California
By jurisdiction
Local Elections
Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your California elections office.
Find local election information →Get ready to vote
Voter Tools
Boots on the ground
California Family Policy Council
California Family Council
Jonathan Keller, Executive Director
- Address
- PO Box 7937, Fresno, CA 93747
- Phone
- 866-866-7993
California Family Council is an independent Family Policy Alliance state ally working on legislation, voter education, and family policy in California.
Know the platforms
National Party & Platform Info
Dates are subject to change. Always confirm with official state and county election sources. Back to state directory