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For California’s November 3, 2026 General Election, active registered voters are mailed a ballot automatically. Complete and sign the return envelope, then mail it early or deliver it to an official location. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; in-person returns are due by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Use California’s Where’s My Ballot? service for status notifications.
Do you need to request a California mail ballot?
Usually, no. California mails a ballot to every active registered voter. Counties must begin mailing ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election by October 5, 2026. If you are not registered, the ordinary registration deadline for this election is October 19; conditional voter registration is available from October 20 through Election Day. See the California Secretary of State’s elections information and confirm your registration or local details with your county elections office.
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If your ballot does not arrive, or it is lost or damaged, contact your county elections office and request a replacement. The state guide says requests may be made by phone, email, fax, or another electronic means; the county can tell you which options it accepts.
How to complete and return your ballot
- Mark the ballot. Follow the instructions included with it. Check your selections before placing it in the return envelope.
- Seal and sign the return envelope. Complete the envelope fields as instructed, including your signature and date where requested. County officials compare the signature with the signature on your voter registration record before separating the ballot from its envelope for tallying.
- Choose a return method. Use the supplied First-Class, postage-paid envelope to mail it, or deliver it to an official ballot drop box, polling place, vote center, or county elections office. The envelope includes prepaid postage, so you do not need to buy stamps.
- Return it by the applicable deadline. Mail and in-person returns have different timing rules, detailed below.
How can I return my ballot, and when is it due?
| Return method | Deadline for November 3, 2026 | Practical detail |
|---|---|---|
| By mail | Must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by the county elections office within seven days after Election Day. | Mail as soon as your ballot is ready. The Secretary of State’s USPS FAQ advises mailing at least five days before Election Day to help ensure an Election Day postmark; the 2026 voter guide advises mailing seven days in advance. Neither interval guarantees delivery or a postmark, so mail early. |
| Official drop-off, polling place, vote center, or county elections office | Must be delivered by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. | Check with your county elections office for official locations and local details. |
If you are unsure you can get a timely postmark, use an official in-person return option and deliver the ballot by its deadline. Do not put a ballot in a location that is not designated by election officials.
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How can I track my ballot to find out if it has been received and counted?
Sign up for California’s Where’s My Ballot? service to receive automatic status updates by text message, email, or voice call. The Secretary of State’s 2026 voter guide also directs voters to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to check whether their vote was counted. If the status raises a question, contact your county elections office.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Important dates for the November 3, 2026 General Election
- October 5: Counties must begin mailing ballots by this date.
- October 19: Ordinary voter-registration deadline.
- October 20 through November 3: Conditional voter registration is available.
- November 3, 8:00 p.m.: Deadline for in-person ballot delivery.
- By November 10: Latest receipt date for a ballot postmarked on or before Election Day, under the seven-day receipt window.
These dates apply to the 2026 General Election. For a different election, check the California Secretary of State’s current guidance and your county elections office.
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