CALIFORNIA — October 26, 2026. SACRAMENTO — One week before California’s November 3 general election, the Secretary of State is urging voters not to wait until Election Day to mail their ballots. The office recommends mailing ballots at least seven days before Election Day to improve the chance they receive a timely postmark. For the November 3 election, that recommendation points to Tuesday, October 27. This is guidance about mailing timing, not a new legal election deadline.

What it means for residents

The last day for ordinary online voter registration was October 19. Eligible citizens who missed it can still use California’s Same Day Voter Registration process at a county elections office or an authorized in-person voting location through Election Day. They should check their own county registrar because location availability and procedures differ by county.

What happens next

Early in-person vote centers began opening October 24 in counties that use the Voter’s Choice Act model. That does not mean every polling location statewide is already open. The Secretary of State says in-person early voting will be available across the state on Saturday, October 31; polling locations on November 3 operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. County-specific locations can be found through the state elections site.

Where to verify

Voters can also return a ballot at an official drop box or elections office. A vote-by-mail ballot must be postmarked by November 3 under the state’s instructions, with applicable receipt requirements. When mailing on Election Day, the state specifically recommends requesting a manual postmark inside a post office. Check your ballot and official registrar instructions before taking action.

Primary source: official agency or original organization. Published by California58.com; future schedules, alerts and legal outcomes may change. See the linked source for current status.

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