Voting 101
What is a General Election?
In general elections, we vote to make our final choice between the top two candidates from the primary election for federal, state, and local offices. Additionally, we vote on any statewide and local measures that may be included on the ballot. The next general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
important dates:
October 7th
County elections offices begin mailing ballots
October 8th
Ballot drop-off locations open
October 21st
Last day to register to vote
October 26th
Early in-person voting begins in all Voter’s Choice Act counties
November 5th
Vote-by-mail ballots can also be dropped off in person by 8:00 p.m. on the last day to vote in-person
November 12th
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before the Election
Click the link below to find your
voting location
Click the link below to find your
ballot drop off locations
who is eligible...
All U.S. Citizens who are residents of California, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and not currently serving prison sentences for felony convictions are eligible to vote. This includes individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, awaiting trial, and individuals on parole, probation, and mandatory supervision.
Registration
Conditional Voter Registration
- If you miss the registration deadline, you can conditionally register and cast a “provisional ballot” by visiting a vote center.
- Individuals under 18 years old may pre-register to vote You can register to vote online at: registertovote.ca.gov
- You can check your voter registration status at: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
ways to vote & timelines
- Ballots will be mailed beginning October 7th
- VBM Drop Boxes will be available starting October 8th
- Mailed VBM Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election day and received by November 12th
- Ballots can also be dropped off in person at a secure ballot Drop Box voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 pm on November 5th
In-person voting locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance to those who need it. Click on link below to find your polling place. My polling place
- Vote centers open in all VCA Counties on October 26th
- In VCA Counties, you can vote by mail, use a Drop Box, or go to a vote center up to 10 days before election day