California Election 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls
It's Election Day in California! Millions of voters across the Golden State are heading to the polls Tuesday, November 3, to make some important decisions that could shape the future of the state and Southern California.
This year's General Election includes a major race for California governor, along with two high-profile contests in Los Angeles: the race for mayor and the race for LA County sheriff.
Whether you're voting in person, dropping off a ballot, or still trying to figure out what's on the ballot, here's your guide to the 2026 California General Election, including the candidates, important deadlines, voting locations, and when to expect results.
What's on the Ballot?
California Governor
With Governor Gavin Newsom unable to seek another term because of term limits, California voters will choose a new leader.
The two candidates are:
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Xavier Becerra (Democrat): Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General. Becerra is campaigning on his record of public service and promises to continue California's progressive direction.
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Steve Hilton (Republican): Political commentator, entrepreneur, and former policy adviser. Hilton is positioning himself as an outsider who wants to change the direction of the state.
The race is especially notable because California hasn't elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election in 2006.
Los Angeles Mayor
Los Angeles voters will decide who leads the city for the next four years in a runoff election featuring:
Major issues in the race include homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, and preparing Los Angeles to host the 2028 Olympic Games.
Los Angeles County Sheriff
The race for LA County Sheriff features a rematch between two familiar names. The sheriff oversees one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country.
Important California Election Dates
Here's a look at the key dates surrounding the 2026 General Election:
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October 5: Mail-in ballots begin going out to registered voters.
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October 6: Official ballot drop boxes open.
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October 19: Voter registration deadline. Same-day registration is still available.
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October 24: Some early voting centers open.
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October 31: Early in-person voting locations open throughout California.
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November 3 (Election Day): Last day to vote in person or return a ballot by 8 p.m.
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November 10: Deadline for counties to receive vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day.
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December 11: Deadline for official certified election results.
How to Register to Vote
The regular voter registration deadline for this election was October 19, 2026. However, if you missed it, you still have an option.
California offers Same-Day Voter Registration, also known as Conditional Voter Registration. Eligible residents can register or update their registration in person at a county elections office or designated voting location through Election Day.
To register, you'll generally need your California driver's license or identification number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
You can check your current registration status, polling information, and party preference at:
California Voter Registration Status
Where Can You Vote?
California voters have several options for casting their ballots.
Early voting locations are available throughout the state, with some locations opening October 24 and additional locations opening October 31.
Most voting centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, November 3, voting centers will have extended hours, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.
To find your nearest voting center, enter your ZIP code on the California Secretary of State's website:
Find Your California Voting Location
You can also scan the QR code inside your Official Sample Ballot to locate nearby voting centers and ballot drop boxes.
Mail-In Ballots: How to Return Yours
All registered California voters are eligible to receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
If you haven't voted yet, you can return your completed ballot in three ways:
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By mail: Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3.
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Official drop box: Deposit your ballot at a secure ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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County elections office: Deliver your completed ballot directly to your county elections office.
For ballots returned by mail, counties must receive them by November 10, provided they were postmarked by Election Day.
You can find official ballot drop box locations here:
California Ballot Drop Box Locator
How to Track Your Mail-In Ballot
Wondering whether your ballot actually made it to the elections office?
California has a free tracking service called Where's My Ballot? that lets voters follow their ballot through the entire process.
After signing up, you can receive updates when your ballot is:
You can choose to receive notifications by email, text message, or phone call.
Sign up here: Where's My Ballot?
When Will Election Results Be Available?
The first election results are expected to appear shortly after California polling locations close at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
Voters can follow the results through the California Secretary of State's official election results website:
California Election Results
Results will be updated throughout Election Night and on subsequent days as election officials continue counting outstanding ballots.
Keep in mind that Election Night results are unofficial. California counties have up to 30 days after the election to complete the official canvass, which includes counting all valid ballots and conducting required post-election audits.
The final certified results are scheduled to be posted by December 11, 2026.
How Are California Votes Counted?
Don't be surprised if the results change after Election Night.
California election officials begin reporting results after polls close, with the first numbers typically including ballots received before Election Day, such as mail-in ballots and early in-person votes.
Election officials are also allowed to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots up to 29 days before Election Day. However, those results cannot be released to the public until voting locations close.
After Election Day, counties continue counting remaining ballots, verifying signatures, and conducting required audits. By law, the process can take up to 30 days.
That means the first results you see Tuesday night aren't necessarily the final results.
The Bottom Line: Whether you're deciding who should lead California, choosing the next mayor of Los Angeles, or weighing in on the future of the LA County Sheriff's Department, your vote matters. If you haven't cast your ballot yet, make sure you get it turned in before the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline!
