California

Voting Guide.

California automatically mails a ballot to every active registered voter. Same-day conditional registration is available at any county election office or polling place through Election Day.

Last verified · June 15, 2026

Make your plan to vote today.

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Key details for your state.

Registration deadline
15 days before Election Day for standard registration. After that, use Same Day Conditional Voter Registration at any county office or polling place through Election Day.
Early voting
Vote centers in counties under the Voter's Choice Act open at least 10 days before Election Day. All counties offer in-person voting at county election offices starting 29 days before.
Absentee / mail-in
Every active registered voter automatically receives a mail ballot. Postmark by Election Day; ballot must be received within 7 days.
ID requirements
Generally no ID required at the polls. First-time voters who registered by mail may need to show ID.
Election Day hours
Polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time. If you are in line at 8:00 PM, you can vote.

Extra info:

  • Every active registered voter gets a ballot mailed automatically — no application needed.
  • Same Day Conditional Voter Registration lets you register and vote on the same day through Election Day.
  • Track your mail ballot at Where's My Ballot? (wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov).

All information on this page comes from the California Secretary of State's official election website. Confirm details there before voting:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections ↗