Elections in
California voters face a consequential 2026 midterm election cycle with 150 races across all levels of government. The June 2 primary will set the stage for critical November contests, including the gubernatorial race and all seven statewide constitutional offices. California's top-two primary system means all candidates appear on one ballot regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election.
The state's entire 80-member Assembly is up for election, representing 92 contested districts in this cycle, alongside all 52 U.S. House seats. As the nation's most populous state, California's elections carry significant weight in determining the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters will decide leadership across executive offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner, along with legislative representation at both state and federal levels.
California conducts elections primarily through vote-by-mail, with all registered voters automatically receiving a mail ballot for every election. Voters may return completed ballots by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days), at official drop boxes, at any vote center in their county, or in person on Election Day. Vote centers offer in-person voting, same-day voter registration, and ballot drop-off during early voting periods and on Election Day.
To register to vote in California, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of California, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction. Registration is available online, by mail, or in person at county election offices and DMV offices. California does not require voters to show identification at the polls in most circumstances; first-time voters who registered by mail without providing ID may need to show identification or verification documents. The state uses a nonpartisan top-two primary system where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.
Get updates when new races launch and results come in.