Sponsored by
2024 Voter Guide
What you need to know to vote in California’s Nov. 5 general election
Jump to section
Key Election Dates
Oct
07
Deadline for ballots to start getting mailed to every California voter, early voting sites open.
Oct
21
Last day to register to vote – either online or by mail. Same-day registration begins Oct. 22.
Nov
05
Polls are open, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also, the last day to vote by mail.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by March 5 and received by your county elections office by March 12.
Find Your District
Which congressional district are you in? Who is your state senator? Enter your address to find your districts and representatives in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone get a ballot in the mail?
Yes. A 2021 law makes vote-by-mail ballots permanent for every registered voter.
When will I receive my mail-in-ballot?
County election offices will begin mailing ballots by Feb. 5.
Can I vote in person? How do I find my polling place or vote center?
Yes, though mailing your ballot as soon as possible is the best way to get your vote counted fast. You can find out where to vote by:
- Checking online.
- Texting “VOTE” to GOVOTE (468-8683)
- Calling the Secretary of State’s hotline at (800) 345-VOTE
Background
It’s a presidential election year. But unless something dramatic befalls one of the frontrunners — former President Donald Trump and President Biden — that isn’t likely to be the most talked-about race in California leading up to March 5.
Instead, the focus is on the U.S. Senate race. The seat was filled by Dianne Feinstein from 1993 until her death last September. Then Sen. Laphonza Butler, the temporary replacement appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, shocked the political world by not trying to keep the job. The March 5 primary featured three big-name Democrats — U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff — along with Republicans Eric Early and Steve Garvey. The former baseball star and Schiff moved on to the Nov. 5 general election, but Schiff is the big favorite in a Democratic state.
Voters also narrowed the field for each of 52 congressional, 80 state Assembly and 20 state Senate seats. California could again help decide which party controls the U.S. House.
There will be multiple ballot measures, though the final lineup won’t be set until late June.
You have a lot of big decisions. Our 2024 California Voter Guide is here to help.
Quick Links
- Support this nonpartisan Voter Guide from CalMatters, your nonprofit state news. Together, we’re informing more people across California.
Fundraising
Who are the biggest donors in the 2024 election? Look through the contributors who have given $100,000 or more. The data comes from the Secretary of State, but we sometimes adjust the names for easier reading.
Ask Us a Question
What questions do you have about voting in the 2024 general election?
Related News
Connect With CalMatters
Get involved in our election news and Voter Guide where you get your news.
On the radio
Listen for CalMatters insights on your station.
News across CA
Read CalMatters in local publications.
Text alerts
Go beyond breaking news. Chat with us.
On Instagram
See what others are saying and add your take.
Credits
Your CalMatters 2024 Voter Guide is a team effort, made possible by the following:
Reporters: Kristen Hwang, Sameea Kamal, Alexei Koseff, Yue Stella Yu
Web producer: Liliana Michelena
Photo and video editor: Miguel Gutierrez
Data and interactives: John Osborn D’Agostino, Jeremia Kimelman, Erica Yee
Copy editor (Spanish version): Carlos Aviles
Visuals: Adriana Heldiz
Product designer: Vasuki Sunder
Web development: Avriana Allen, Kevin Marsden
Project management: Sapna Satagopan, Shyla Nott
Editors: Kristen Go, Foon Rhee
Interested in using the CalMatters Voter Guide on your website? Share your interest here.