California's general election is quickly approaching.
In addition to choosing the state's next governor, voters will cast ballots on more than a dozen statewide propositions and congressional races with far-reaching impacts.
If you need to check your voter registration status or register to vote, here's what to know before Election Day.
When is California’s general election?
California's general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
How to check if you're registered to vote in California
If you're not sure whether you're registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status on the California Secretary of State's website.
The online form asks for identifying information, including your first and last name, date of birth, California driver's license or identification card number, and the last four digits of your Social Security
number.
After submitting the form, you'll be directed to a page showing whether your voter registration is active. If it is, you'll be able to see your political party preference and the county where you're registered to vote.
How to register to vote in California
If you're not registered to vote, you can register online through the California Secretary of State's website.
You'll be asked to complete an online application, which will require you to provide information confirming eligibility to vote, personal details, and voting preferences.
"You can also pick up an application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices," according to the state's website. "To have a paper application mailed to you, call your county elections office or the Secretary of State's toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)."
"When is the last day to register to vote in the November election?
The last day to register to vote in November's election is Monday, Oct. 19.
What if I miss the voter registration deadline?
If you miss the deadline to register to vote, you can still vote in the November election. You will need to go to your county elections office, vote center, or polling place on or before Election Day to complete conditional voter registration, also called Same Day Voter Registration, according to state officials.
You can find a list of county elections offices on the California Secretary of State's website.
Will all voters receive a mail-in ballot?
Yes. All registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the November general election.
County elections officials will begin mailing general election ballots no later than Monday, Oct. 5.
How to get a replacement ballot
If you do not receive your ballot in the mail or your original ballot was lost or damaged, you may apply for a replacement ballot.
You can find the replacement ballot application on the California Secretary of State's website.
After you fill out the application, return it to your county elections office. You can find a list of those offices on the California Secretary of State's website.
How to return a ballot for the general election
Once you have filled out your ballot, you can return it via mail, drop box, or in person at a dedicated voting center.
If you are casting your vote by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3. Officials recommend getting a manual postmark from a postal worker inside a United States Post Office if you're mailing your ballot on Election Day. County elections officials must receive your ballot no later than Nov. 10.
You can return your ballot in person at your county elections office or at any polling or ballot drop-off location by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
To find your nearest drop box, polling place or vote center, visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov to find your nearest drop box, polling place or vote center location.
Key dates for California's November general election
Here are some key upcoming dates for California's general election in November:
- Between Sept. 24 and Oct. 13: Secretary of State will mail the Voter Information Guide
- Between Sept. 24 and Oct. 13: County elections officials will mail the County Voter Information Guide
- Oct. 5: No later than this date, county elections officials will begin mailing registered voters vote-by-mail ballots
- Oct. 5: Early voting sites open
- Oct. 6: Ballot drop-off locations open
- Oct. 19: Last day to register to vote in the general election
- Oct. 20: Same-day registration is available
- Oct. 20: Voter's Choice Act counties open vote centers
- Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 3: Last day for county election officials to certify election results
- Dec. 4: County elections officials will send the California Secretary of State a complete copy of the general election returns
- Dec. 11: Statement of Vote certified by the California Secretary of State
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to register and vote in California's 2026 general election
