November 5, 2024, General Election

3 Ways to Vote in the General Election

Voting options

All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Election. Your county elections office will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots no later than October 7, 2024.

Early Voting

California's early voting period begins October 7, and allows you to cast your vote in person before Election Day. 

Vote-by-mail ballot drop-off locations open around the state on October 8, 2024.

Find an early voting and ballot drop-off location (locations coming soon)

Mail-In Voting

Any registered voter may vote by mail. Your ballot must be postmarked or placed in a drop-box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot

In California, "absentee voting" is called "vote-by-mail voting." 

Vote on Election Day 

You can vote in person on Election Day by going to your designated voting location.

Find your polling place (locations coming soon)

Register to Vote!

You can register to vote or update your voter registration in just a few minutes. The last day to make changes online or change your political party for the November 5, 2024, General Election, is October 21, 2024.

If you miss this deadline, don't worry—you can still register the same day you vote at your local voting location.

Not sure if you are registered to vote? Check your voter status online!

My Voter Status

Need to update your voter registration status or register to vote for the first time? 

Register to Vote

Sign up to track your ballot and get notifications when it is received and counted.

Where's My Ballot?

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What's on The Ballot?

Official Voter Information Guide

If you are a registered voter, you will receive two voter information guides by mail:

  • Your State Voter Information Guide contains information about federal and statewide candidates and statewide ballot measures. The State Voter Information Guide is only mailed prior to a statewide election.
  • Your County Voter Information Guide contains a sample of your ballot and information about local candidates and ballot measures, and, for some counties, the location of your polling place. A County Voter Information Guide is sent prior to statewide and local elections.

Local Candidates and Measures

  • United States Representative in Congress
  • State Senate
  • State Assembly

The candidates and questions on your ballot depend on the county and congressional district you live in. Contact your local county elections office to see a sample ballot.

Important Dates & Deadlines

TUESDAY | OCTOBER 21, 2024

The last day to register to vote or update your voter registration online or by mail. Registrations being mailed must be postmarked by October 21, 2024.


OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process to register and vote at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Their ballots will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.


THURSDAY | OCTOBER 8 - NOVEMBER 5

  • Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning on October 26, 2024.

Find Your Local Voting Location (locations coming soon)


THURSDAY | OCTOBER 29, 2024

To receive a replacement vote-by-mail ballot by mail, submit your request for a replacement vote-by-mail ballot application by October 29, 2024 to help facilitate its timely arrival. For requests after this date, contact your County Elections Office

Request a Replacement Vote-By-Mail Ballot by Mail


BY TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 5, 2024

BY MAIL: Make sure your vote-by-mail ballot return envelope is postmarked by November 5. No stamp needed!

DROP BOX: Drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at a secure official drop box in your county at any time between October 8 through the close of polls on November 5. Find a Drop Box or Voting Location Near You (locations coming soon)

IN PERSON: Drop your completed vote-by-mail ballot off at a secure drop box, polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on November 5. Voting locations will be available in all counties before Election Day. Voting locations (locations coming soon) offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.

TRACK YOUR BALLOT: Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to receive updates on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by text message (SMS), email, or voice call.


TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 5, 2024

This is the final day you can cast a vote. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. As long as you’re in line by 8:00 p.m., you will be able to cast your vote.

Find Your Vote Location (locations coming soon)


For more information about voting, candidates, and upcoming elections, explore the full Elections Division website

For more about voting, candidates, and upcoming elections, explore the full Elections website, learn more