California Keeps Voting Open After October 19 Registration Deadline

Eligible Californians who missed the October 19, 2026, voter registration deadline can still register in person and cast ballots through Election Day on November 3. The California Secretary of State and county election officials say conditional voter registration remains available at county elections offices and authorized voting locations, allowing eligible residents to participate in the upcoming general election.

The missed deadline affects voters seeking to register online or receive a mail-in ballot automatically. According to California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, eligible residents could register or update their registration online until midnight on October 19, while those who missed that cutoff must complete the process in person.

Weber said the state's online registration system allows eligible residents to register or update their information using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Voters who have moved, changed their names, or want to change their political party affiliation may also need to update their registration.

Under California's conditional registration process, voters must complete a registration form and receive a ballot. According to the Secretary of State's office, election officials will count those ballots only after the county elections office completes the registration verification process.

Ken Casparis, a spokesperson for Sacramento County, said voters who missed the deadline can visit their county elections office or register at an authorized voting center when locations open.

"Here in California, we have same-day voter registration," Casparis said.

Casparis explained that eligible residents can complete registration and vote during the same visit to a participating location.

"You can register to vote at those vote centers and then vote same day," Casparis said.

Under California's Voter's Choice Act, participating counties are scheduled to open voting centers for early in-person voting on October 24, 2026. Other in-person voting locations across the state are scheduled to open by October 31, according to CBS News. Los Angeles County residents who missed the registration deadline can vote in person at any county vote center beginning October 24.

The November 3 election includes California's gubernatorial race, congressional contests that could affect the balance of power in the U.S. House and Senate, and state and local ballot measures. Voters in different areas will also decide contests for local offices, judicial positions, the lieutenant governor's office, state treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, and State Assembly seats.

According to Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc., election officials had mailed more than 23 million ballots statewide as of October 19, with slightly more than 1.3 million returned. California voters registered by the deadline were eligible to receive vote-by-mail ballots automatically.

Election officials are also urging voters to return completed mail ballots early because of concerns about possible U.S. Postal Service delays. Sacramento County officials noted that evening mail pickups have been eliminated in some areas, potentially delaying the collection of ballots deposited after the daily pickup.

California permits mail ballots to be counted when they are postmarked on or before Election Day and received within the legally permitted return period. Voters concerned about delivery delays can instead return completed ballots at authorized voting centers or use official ballot drop boxes.

In Los Angeles County, voters can return mail ballots by post, at official drop boxes, or at any county vote center. County officials recommend mailing ballots at least seven days before Election Day to allow sufficient time for delivery.

For Santa Barbara County residents, registration information is available through the county elections office and its voter information services. Traditional polling places are also scheduled to open on Election Day for in-person voting and ballot returns.