November 3, 2026: General Midterm Election

California will hold its midterm general election on November 3, 2026. In addition to voting for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and the California state legislature, voters will also choose candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other statewide offices. 

• October 5: Ballots mailed to all registered voters; Ballot Drop Boxes open; three Vote Centers in North, Central, and South County open weekdays, from 9 AM to 5 PM (Vote Centers will be closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day on October 12 )

• October 19: Voter Registration deadline (for nonprovisional ballot). After this, until Election Day, people can register, but they will receive a provisional ballot.

• October 24: 10 Vote Centers will be open daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

• October 31 to November 1: 46 Vote Centers will be open daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM

• November 2: All 50 Vote Centers will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM

• November 3: Election Day. All 50 Vote Centers will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. All votes must be cast, or mailed ballots must be postmarked by this date.

Go to San Mateo County Vote for Ballot Drop Box and Voter Center locations.  

November 3 Midterm General Election Information

League of Women Voters of California Education Fund Easy Voter Guide

San Mateo County Web Page for the Statewide General Election 

Make Your Plan to Vote!

	Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by October 5, 2026. Don't forget to sign the back of your return envelope Sign up for Where's My Ballot  Mail your ballot back early because it must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3. The League encourages voters to drop their ballot at a Ballot Drop Box or Vote Center location. If you mail your ballot, mail it at least five days before Election Day, November 3, 2026, to ensure it is postmarked by Election Day. If you mail it on Election Day, get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
	Ballot drop-off locations open on October 5, 2026. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup Don't forget to sign the back of your return envelope!
	Beginning on October 5, 2026, selected vote centers will open for early in-person voting. On November 3, Election Day, all 50 Vote Centers will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup

Get the Facts Before You Vote!