Last updated: June 11, 2026

How to vote in California

Get registered

Check your registration status Register to vote in California Pre-register to vote (ages 13-17)

Get informed

Sign up for election reminders Contact your local election office

Plan your vote

Request your California absentee or mail-in ballot Find out where to vote

Follow up

Track your California ballot

On this page

Voting deadlines
Voter registration
Absentee and mail ballots
Voting in person
State and local election offices
External resources

Key deadlines in California

Voter registration deadlines

Online: 15 days before Election Day
By mail: Postmarked by 15 days before Election Day
In person: Election Day (via same-day registration)

Absentee ballot request deadlines

By mail: Received by 7 days before Election Day
In person: Election Day

Absentee ballot return deadlines

By mail: Postmarked by Election Day
In person: Received by Election Day

Voting dates

Early voting starts: 29 days before Election Day
Early voting ends: 1 day before Election Day

California voter registration guide

What are the voter registration deadlines?

How do I know if I'm registered to vote?

Who can register to vote in California?

Can I register to vote online in California?

Can I register to vote via mail in California?

Can I register to vote in person in California?

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

I've moved. Do I have to update my registration?

I'm not 18 yet. When can I submit my registration in California?

I have a felony conviction. Can I register to vote in California?

California absentee and mail ballot guide

What are the deadlines for requesting and returning mail-in ballots?

How does mail-in voting work in California?

I won't be home to get my California mail-in ballot. Can I get a replacement ballot?

What ID is required to return a ballot in California?

I have a ballot. How do I return it?

How can I track my mail-in ballot?

Can my mail-in ballot be rejected? And if so, what can I do?

I am in the military or overseas. How do I vote?

California voting guide

Can I vote early?

Where do I vote?

What type of ID do I need to show when I vote?

Can I use my student ID as identification when voting?

I cast a provisional ballot. How do I know if it was counted?

Your election officials in California

How do I reach my local election office?

Who is in charge of California elections?

External resources

Where can I find voting resources for California?

What are the sources for information on this page?

How to vote

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