Know Your Voting Rights

Last updated: October 6, 2026 09:54 pm

Learn about voting options for upcoming elections here.

Para información sobre sus derechos de voto en español, haga clic aquí.

OUR VOTING RIGHTS MATTER

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest.

The fight for voting rights remains as critical as ever as politicians across the country continue to engage in voter suppression. Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU SoCal is fighting back against attempts to curtail our vital right to vote.

Resource

Voting Plan

Your voice matters, and your vote is one of the ways to help shape the future of your community. Make a plan to learn what’s on the ballot, vote early, and track your ballot.

2026 General Election

Election season is here and the last day to vote is November 3. Here’s information on how to vote and key dates to remember this election.

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE

This November, prepare by making a voting plan. Every active registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 5 and may cast their ballot as soon as they receive it up until Election Day on November 3. Remember, you have voting options:

Dropoff. You may drop off your mail ballot as soon as you receive it up until 8 p.m. on November 3 at any official ballot drop box or local elections office. Once they are open, you can also drop off your ballot at any polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on November 3. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope. If you return your mail ballot in person, you may be able to return it without the envelope by following poll worker instructions.
In person. You may vote at a polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on November 3. To learn about early voting options and hours, click here.
By mail. You may return your mail ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Postage is prepaid. If you use this return option, we encourage you to vote early to ensure your ballot is received by elections officials. All ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on November 3. To make sure your ballot is counted if you are mailing it on Election Day, go to a U.S. Post Office and request a postmark. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope.

If you have any questions or concerns leading up to or on Election Day, read the FAQs below or call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OURVOTE.

If you prefer or need to vote in person and have concerns about possible federal agents at the polls, learn about your rights here.

KEY DATES

Oct. 5 – Ballots go out to registered voters and ballot drop-off locations start to open.
Oct. 19 –Voter registration deadline.
Oct. 20 – You can conditionally register and vote provisionally at the registrar’s office or voting location through Election Day, November 3.
Oct. 24 – If you live in a Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) County, in person early vote centers are open through Election Day.
Nov. 3 – Election Day, last day to vote! All voting locations and official ballot drop boxes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail ballots must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day.

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE

Dropoff. You may drop off your mail ballot as soon as you receive it up until 8 p.m. on November 3 at any official ballot drop box or local elections office. Once they are open, you can also drop off your ballot at any polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on November 3. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope. If you return your mail ballot in person, you may be able to return it without the envelope by following poll worker instructions.
In person. You may vote at a polling place or vote center up until 8 p.m. on November 3. To learn about early voting options and hours, click here.
By mail. You may return your mail ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Postage is prepaid. If you use this return option, we encourage you to vote early to ensure your ballot is received by elections officials. All ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on November 3. To make sure your ballot is counted if you are mailing it on Election Day, go to a U.S. Post Office and request a postmark. Remember to sign your mail ballot envelope.

If you have any questions or concerns leading up to or on Election Day, read the FAQs below or call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OURVOTE.

If you prefer or need to vote in person and have concerns about possible federal agents at the polls, learn about your rights here.

KEY DATES

Oct. 5 – Ballots go out to registered voters and ballot drop-off locations start to open.
Oct. 19 –Voter registration deadline.
Oct. 20 – You can conditionally register and vote provisionally at the registrar’s office or voting location through Election Day, November 3.
Oct. 24 – If you live in a Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) County, in person early vote centers are open through Election Day.
Nov. 3 – Election Day, last day to vote! All voting locations and official ballot drop boxes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail ballots must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day.

EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS?

If you believe you have been denied the right to vote or you are aware of election misconduct, call one of the hotline numbers below or contact the ACLU.

Election Protection Hotline: (866) OUR-VOTE

California Secretary of State Voter Information Hotlines