Important California Civic and Election Dates

October 06, 2026 - 09:57 AM

 

Greetings, Mt. SAC Students!

 

We want to help prepare you to vote early for the 2026 General Election by providing important dates, deadlines, and voting information. The first step to being prepared for the election is to register to vote or update your voter registration early. Please review the voter registration options and resources below:

-Register to vote or update your voter registration: registertovote.ca.gov/collegestudents

-Check your voter registration status: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov

-Use the link above if you are unsure whether you are registered to vote or would like to review your voter registration information.

We also recommend adding the following dates to your calendar:

 

November 3, 2026, General Election Dates and Deadlines

-Monday, October 5: County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by this date.

-Counties offer early voting sites  to find a location and available times, please visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

-Tuesday, October 6: Secure ballot drop-off locations open.

-Ballots can be dropped off at a drop-off location, county elections office, or returned by mail. 

-Monday, October 19: The last day to register online to vote for the November 3, 2026, General Election.

-Saturday, October 24: The first vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties.

-Tuesday, October 20– Tuesday, November 3: Same Day Voter Registration (Conditional Voter Registration) is available. Voters can use the Same Day Voter Registration process during this time.

-Tuesday, November 3: Election Day  Last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

-Mail your ballot back as soon as possible after you receive it. To be counted, your ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day. We recommend mailing it at least seven days before Election Day. If you mail it closer to Election Day, take it to a United States Post Office and ask for a manual postmark.

 

Additional Important Information

-For more election information, visit the California Secretary of State Students Vote Project, state elections page, or view the State Voter Information Guide.

 

Important Disclaimer for California Registered Voters: The civic and election information provided may apply to the county where the campus is located. Election information varies by county. Visit the county election offices resource page to find the contact information for the county you are registered to vote in.