Guide · California 2026

How to vote in California on November 3, 2026

The essentials: register, check your status, know your ballot. Everything below comes from California's official election sources.

1. Register by October 19, 2026

You must register by October 19, 2026 to vote in the general election — online, by mail (postmarked), or in person. Register at registertovote.ca.gov.

2. Missed the deadline? You can still register

California offers conditional voter registration from October 20 through Election Day (November 3) at your county elections office or a vote center — you register and vote provisionally on the spot.

3. Check your registration

Confirm your status, address, and party preference at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Moved recently? Re-register with your new address.

4. Know your whole ballot before you go

California's ballot includes statewide propositions plus your local contests. Read the official Voter Information Guide, and use AlignAlgo Vote's questionnaire to see how each state proposition lines up with your values.

Sources

Ready to research your ballot?

See the 2026 propositions Take the questionnaire