Register to Vote by May 18, 2026!

Are You Registered to Vote?

  • You can register online to vote in the June 2, 2026, California Primary Election, but you must do so by May 18, 2026.
  • You can mail your ballot or place it in an official Drop Box through Tuesday, June 2.
  • Vote centers open beginning on May 23, 2026, for ballot drop-off or early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties, including Santa Clara County.
  • Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026.
  • If you don't register by May 18, 2026, eligible residents can still register and cast a ballot conditionally in person at a county elections office, Vote Center or polling place through Election Day.

California voters will participate in a June 2026 primary and a November 2026 general election that include high-profile statewide offices (Governor, Secretary of State), all U.S. House seats (including any special elections to fill vacancies), the state legislature, and various local contests and ballot propositions.

June 2, 2026, Primary Election:

    • The deadline to register for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.
    • All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.
    • Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026.
    • Ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026.
    • Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or your county elections office.
    • Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties (including Santa Clara County) beginning on May 23, 2026.
    • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9, 2026.
    • See below for details about how you can vote in this election, and where to cast your ballot.

Quick facts

CA VOTER GUIDE

Local Elections

You can begin voting as soon as you have registered and received your ballot for the upcoming election. County election offices began mailing ballots to all registered voters about a month before Election Day.

  • Return your ballot by mail – postage is free – or drop it in a drop-off location any time up to Election Day. 
  • Or, you can vote in person at county Vote Centers.
  • If you miss the registration deadline, you may still be eligible to register and cast a conditional ballot in person through June 2.

It's easy to have your say: You can register online and vote by mail or other convenient options. Here's how

Check To See If You're Registered

If you think you might be registered, but aren't sure, you can check your status on these websites

Register to Vote – If You Haven't Yet

Remember to Cast Your Ballot!

If you are registered to vote in most Bay Area counties, you should receive your ballot in the mail. County officials begin mailing out ballots about a month before the election. 

Fill out the ballot and remember to seal, sign and date the return envelope. Make sure your signature matches the one you provided when registering. 

You can then vote in any of these ways: 

  • Mail your ballot any time up through Election Day. Postage is free! 
  • Drop your ballot at your county elections office during regular business hours, or in an official ballot Drop Box any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day. (If you live in Santa Clara County, you can find a Drop Box near you.) 
  • Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning on May 23. Santa Clara County is a Voter’s Choice Act county; check to see other participating counties.  
  • Find a Vote Center near you. 

Vote early to avoid any crowds or delays on Election Day! 

  • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9. 

You Can Even Track Your Ballot

You can sign up for alerts by text message, email or voice call to track the status of your vote-by-mail ballot. Visit wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov for details. 


New Ways to Vote : Register Online and Vote By Mail!

Under new procedures adopted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all California voters now have the option to vote by mail – or drop off their ballot in person.

Your old polling place may not be open on Election Day. But you can find the nearest Vote Center or Ballot Drop Box by checking with your county election office. 


Look for a Ballot Drop Box Near You

official ballot drop box on sidewalkIf you're registered to vote in Santa Clara County, you can drop your ballot in the official Ballot Drop Box on the sidewalk outside the RSS Building, near the entrance that faces Staff/Student Lot A.

You can also click the buttons to find a Ballot Drop Box or a county Vote Center near you.

Find A Drop Box 

Find Vote Center

If You Don't Receive Your Ballot

Your vote is your voice. Be heard.If you are registered to vote and don't receive your ballot in the mail, visit the nearest Vote Center or call your Registrar of Voters. The number for Santa Clara County is 1.866.430.VOTE (8683). 

As always, you are eligible to vote if you are

  • At least 18 years old
  • A U.S. citizen
  • Registered to vote at your current residence


Learn More About Candidates and Issues 

  • Cal Matters Voting Guide – Learn what you need to know about the California election in this guide prepared by Cal Matters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization
  • Vote 411 – Get nonpartisan information from the League of Women Voters Education Fund

Remember

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