California

Voting in California

From the state election office’s own website. Each answer shows the official wording it comes from.

Registration deadline

The deadline to register to vote for the November 3, 2026 election is October 19, 2026.

Official wording: “The deadline to register to vote for the November 3, 2026 election is October 19, 2026.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Register on Election Day

In county-run elections, you can "conditionally" register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day registration deadline.

Official wording: “In elections conducted by your county elections official, you can “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day voter registration deadline.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Register online

You can apply to register to vote now using the online application.

Official wording: “You can apply to register to vote right now by filling in the [online application](http://registertovote.ca.gov/).” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Early voting

County elections officials offer early voting at their office, and many counties offer it at additional locations before Election Day.

Official wording: “County elections officials offer early voting at their office, and many counties offer early voting at additional locations before Election Day.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Who can vote by mail

County elections officials mail vote-by-mail ballots to all active registered voters.

Official wording: “County elections officials mail vote-by-mail ballots to all active registered voters.” — state election office, page read October 16, 2026

Mail ballot due

Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 7 days after Election Day.

Official wording: “Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received not later than 7 days after Election Day.” — state election office, page read October 16, 2026

ID at the polls

In most cases, no. California does not generally require voters to show identification at the polls.

Official wording: “In most cases, NO. California does not generally require voters to show identification at the polls.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Election Day hours

Polling locations are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Official wording: “Polling locations are established by county elections officials and are open from **7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026**.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

For anything not listed, and to check your registration, see California’s election office: sos.ca.gov