Voting Is Sacred
Voting is sacred because people are sacred.
Votar es sagrado porque las personas son sagradas.
Voting is sacred means my faith and my voice matter and my community belongs in the decisions that shape our lives.
Votar es sagrado significa que mi voz importa y que mi comunidad tiene un lugar en las decisiones que dan forma a nuestras vidas.
Voting information · What can you do?
Be ready.
Make a plan.
Vote.
Check your registration, choose how you will return your ballot, and know the deadlines before Election Day.
Where and how to vote
Check your voter registration, explore voting options, and find secure ballot drop boxes or polling places in your county.
Learn more ↗Vote in person or by mail
Learn about all the ways you can vote in California—including by mail, drop-off, or in person.
Learn more ↗Find a ballot drop box
Find an official ballot drop box or contact your county elections office for voting assistance.
Learn more ↗California Election 2026
Frequently asked
questions
01When is the upcoming election?+
Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
02Who is eligible for a mail-in ballot?+
Every active registered voter in California receives a vote-by-mail ballot, with a prepaid return envelope, from their county elections office. You may choose to vote by mail even if you normally vote in person.
03How do I complete and return my mail-in ballot?+
Mark your ballot per the instructions. Seal it inside the official return envelope. Sign and date the outside of the envelope. Your signature should match what is on file.
- By mail, postmarked by Election Day and received by the county within 7 days
- At a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
- In person at a polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
04What are the deadlines and postmark rules?+
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. The county elections office must receive it within 7 days after Election Day. Drop box and in-person returns must occur by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Because of recent United States Postal Service changes, ballots mailed on Election Day in a community more than 50 miles from a regional mail processing center may not receive a same-day postmark and could be rejected.
To help make sure your vote counts, California Attorney General Rob Bonta advises mailing your ballot early or using a secure drop box.
05Can I vote in person if I already requested a mail-in ballot?+
Yes. Bring your unused mail-in ballot to your polling place and exchange it for an in-person ballot, or submit it in its envelope as directed and vote in person. If you do not bring your mail ballot, you can cast a provisional ballot.
06What if I lose my ballot, never get one, or make a mistake?+
You may request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot through your county elections office. If the signature envelope is missing or there is a signature mismatch, many counties allow a cure process so you can supply or confirm your signature and keep your ballot from being rejected.
07How can I track my ballot status?+
Sign up for Where’s My Ballot? to receive text, email, or voice updates when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted.
08Why is it risky to mail on Election Day?+
Because of USPS policy changes, ballots mailed on Election Day in some regions may be postmarked a day late. Only ballots postmarked on or before Election Day are valid. Do not wait until Election Day to mail your ballot; use a drop box or deliver it in person as early as possible.
Pledge to vote
Take the
Voting is Sacred pledge
I pledge to vote and help protect every eligible voter’s freedom to cast a ballot and have it counted.
Me comprometo a votar y a proteger la libertad de toda persona con derecho a votar, para que pueda emitir su voto y este sea contado.
Pledge to Vote!
Complete the pledge below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
Share the pledge
I just pledged to vote! Join me, PICO California and people of faith across California and take the Voting is Sacred pledge at picocalifornia.org/votingissacred
Our partners
Faith in action.
Across California.
PICO California’s local federations organize communities across the state. Together, we help Californians make their voices heard and their votes count.
San Diego Organizing Project
Faith in the Valley
Faith in Action Bay Area
LA Voice
Inland Congregations United for Change
Sacramento Area Congregations Together
People Acting in Community Together
Faith in Action East Bay
True North Organizing Network