How to Vote in California: 2026 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours

To vote in the November 3, 2026 general election, register by ≈ October 19, 2026 — 15 days before Election Day.

California also allows same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day.

Conditional same-day registration runs from 14 days out through Election Day.

Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at California's official site.

Early voting opens ≈ October 5, 2026 — 29 days before Election Day. It runs through Election Day.

California is an all-mail state: every active registered voter is automatically mailed a ballot, and in-person early voting sites are an alternative to mailing it back.

Every active voter is mailed a ballot; in-person options vary by county.

Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at California's official election site.

Every active registered voter in California is automatically mailed a ballot — no request needed.

Return rule: Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received no later than seven days after

Every active voter is mailed a ballot automatically.

Details and request forms are at California's official election site.

No identifying document is requested to vote in person; the state verifies identity by other means, typically a signature match.

See the full list of accepted ID at California's official election site.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. PT on November 3, 2026.

See how California's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at California's official election site.