November 3, 2026: General Midterm Election

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

• October 5, 2026: Ballots mailed to all registered voters, and Early Voting sites open

• October 6, 2026: Ballot drop-off locations open

• October 19, 2026: Voter Registration deadline (for non-provisional ballot). After this, until election day, people can register, but they will receive a provisional ballot.

• October 24, 2026: Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties, including San Mateo County

• November 3, 2026: Election Day. All votes must be cast or mailed ballots must be postmarked by this date.

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. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day, make sure to mail it at least five days before Election Day, November 3, 2026. If mailing on Election Day, get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
	Don't forget to sign the back of your return envelope Ballot drop-off locations open on October 6, 2026. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup
	Beginning on October 24, 2026, vote centers will open for early in-person voting. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup

Get the Facts Before You Vote!