As voters gear up for the General Election, there are plenty of reasons to vote early: you can schedule it into your workday, and the lines are usually shorter than on Election Day.
In California, every registered voter gets a ballot mailed to them, so there’s no need to wait in line or take time off work to vote. This also lets voters review the candidates on the ballot, so there are no last-minute surprises.
Prefer voting in person? Every county opens early voting locations for at least several days before Election Day, giving you the flexibility to vote when it works for you, drop off your completed ballot in person, or get help on the spot if something goes wrong with your ballot.
However you choose to do it, early voting means more time to make your decision, more ways to return your ballot, and one less thing to worry about on Nov. 3.
Important dates
For the November 3, 2026 General Election, your county elections office will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots to all active registered voters by October 5. Secure ballot drop-off locations open statewide on October 6.
In counties that have adopted the Voter’s Choice Act model (which includes most of California’s larger counties), the first vote centers for early in-person voting open on October 24. In every county, in-person early voting locations will be open the Saturday before Election Day, October 31. Election Day itself, November 3, is the last day to vote in person or return a ballot, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Check with your county elections office for specific vote center locations and hours, since these vary by county.
How early voting works
Voting by mail in California is essentially a type of early voting. Once you receive your ballot, you can fill it out and return it immediately, rather than waiting for Election Day. You have several options for returning your ballot: you can mail it, drop it off at an official ballot drop box, or bring it to a vote center or your county elections office.
If you’d rather vote in person before Election Day, vote centers let you cast a ballot during early voting, drop off a completed one, get help if you’ve lost or damaged your ballot, register to vote if you missed the deadline, or get a replacement ballot.
Voting in person
County election officials run elections in California, and the Secretary of State’s Office oversees them.
In California, election observers (also called “poll watchers”) may observe voting locations and the ballot-counting process to help ensure elections run smoothly and transparently. They generally can’t handle voting materials without permission, engage in electioneering, or interfere with a voter’s right to a secret ballot, and many counties require them to check in, wear ID badges, and follow device restrictions like no cell phones or cameras. Check-in requirements, notice periods, and access rules differ by county, so confirm the details with the local elections office before arriving.
The voter registration deadline for the November election is October 19, 15 days before Election Day. If you miss it, California offers same-day conditional voter registration: you can still register and cast a provisional ballot in person, including on Election Day itself, up through November 3.
Are you registered to vote?
You can check your status here. If you’re not registered, you can fill out this form to make sure your voice is heard in the upcoming elections.
