All active registered California voters have been sent an official vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope for the upcoming November 3, 2026 General Election.
Vote early, California! Returning your ballot early ensures your voice is heard and your vote is received and counted on time. You can locate official early voting sites and secure drop boxes at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.
Important Ballot Verification Notice
To prevent your ballot from being delayed or challenged, be sure to sign and date the outside of your return envelope. Your signature will be compared against the signature on your California driver's license, state ID card, or voter registration record.
Easy Steps to Exercise Your Right to Vote
- 1. Complete Your Ballot Mark your choices carefully on your official paper ballot.
- 2. Seal Your Ballot Insert and secure your voted ballot inside the official prepaid return envelope provided by your county elections office.
- 3. Sign Your Return Envelope Sign the outside of your return envelope. Make sure your signature matches your driver's license or voter registration card.
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4. Choose How to Return Your Ballot
• Official Drop Box: Drop off your sealed ballot envelope at any secure drop box, vote center, or elections office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Look up locations at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.
• In Person: Vote in person on or before Election Day. Find your polling place at sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.
• By Mail: No postage required. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 3, 2026). We recommend mailing at least 7 days before Election Day, or asking a post office clerk for a hand postmark.
Track Your Ballot with "Where's My Ballot?"
Sign up for free notifications via text message (SMS), email, or voice call to track your ballot every step of the way—from when it is mailed to when it is counted.
Sign Up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov →Official Toll-Free Voter Hotlines
If you have any questions or require language assistance, contact the California Secretary of State voter assistance hotlines:
- English: (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
- Español / Spanish: (800) 232-VOTA (8682)
- ä¸æ–‡ / Chinese: (800) 339-2857
- Tagalog: (800) 339-2957
- Việt ngữ / Vietnamese: (800) 339-8163
- TTY/TDD: 711
Source: Office of the California Secretary of State & Monterey County Elections Department. For local Monterey County election office assistance, visit sos.ca.gov/county-elections-offices.