Voting in California
U.S. Senate and Governor
Statewide races every California voter sees. Candidates are listed in the order of the official source, with party as printed.
U.S. Senate
No U.S. Senate race in California this year.
Governor
- Xavier Becerra · Democratic
- Steve Hilton · Republican
Source: California Secretary of State, November 3, 2026, General Election Official Certified List of Candidates. Write-in candidates not shown. Your county's sample ballot has every race.
Key facts for Nov. 3
Register to vote
Register by Monday, Oct. 19 (15 days before), online at registertovote.ca.gov, by mail, or in person.
Same-day registration: After Oct. 19, eligible people may conditionally register and vote at a county elections office or voting location through Election Day.
Online registration is available.
Vote early in person
Ballots may be returned Oct. 5 to Nov. 3. Vote centers in Voter's Choice Act counties open Oct. 24; in-person early voting sites statewide open Saturday, Oct. 31.
Election Day
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vote by mail
Who: Every registered voter is mailed a ballot (mailed by Oct. 5).
Return by: Return in person or at a drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, or mail postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Tuesday, Nov. 10.
ID to vote in person
Most voters do not need ID. Some first-time voters who registered by mail or online without a California ID or SSN number may be asked for ID.
Note: No separate mail ballot request deadline applies since all voters are mailed ballots.
From the California Secretary of State, Elections Division and other official state sources, checked Oct 7, 2026. Rules can change; the official office has the final word. Only eligible, registered voters may vote.
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