General Election - November 3, 2026
California is proud to offer voters secure, accessible, and transparent elections. Each active registered voter will receive a ballot by mail, allowing them to vote safely and conveniently. You may return your ballot at an official ballot drop box, by voting in person at a voting location, or by returning it via the United States Postal Service. Early voting opportunities are available in many communities, and Election Day remains an option for those who prefer to vote in person.
- Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 10, 2026.
- Ballots continue to be counted after Election Day during the official canvass period.
- County elections officials must complete final official results by December 3, 2026.
- The Secretary of State will certify results on December 11, 2026.
Official Canvass - Vote Counting Process
California has the largest number of registered voters in the nation—more than 23 million registered voters. Ensuring that all valid votes cast by eligible voters are accurately processed and counted takes time.
On Election Night, county elections officials must begin reporting results to the Secretary of State no more than two hours after they begin tallying votes after the polls close. County elections officials then continue to report results periodically throughout Election Night until all precinct vote totals have been reported.
The first election results posted are typically ballots received before Election Day, which include vote-by-mail ballots and ballots cast at early voting location. County elections officials may begin opening and processing vote-by-mail ballot envelopes up to 29 days before Election Day, but those results cannot be accessed or shared with the public until all polls close on Election Day.
Additional election results posted on Election Night are semi-official results based on the in-person ballots cast at voting locations on Election Day, any early voted ballots cast in person prior to Election Day, and any vote-by-mail ballots received and processed prior to Election Day.
Dates to Remember!
November 10 - Last day counties can receive vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day.
November 25 - Last day to correct ballot envelope signature issues by 5:00 p.m.
December 3 - Last day for Counties to certify election results.
December 4 - County elections officials must report final official results to the Secretary of State
December 11 - Statement of the vote will be certified by the Secretary of State
For more information about voter registration, voting, and upcoming elections, explore the full Elections Division website
