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2024 Voter Guide

What you need to know to vote in California’s Nov. 5 general election

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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 Nov. 5 and received by your county elections office by Nov. 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 Oct. 7.

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

More Voting FAQ ↗

Background

It’s a presidential election year. And 2024 is already one of the most dramatic and historic ever. President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has deep California roots. She’s now the presumptive Democratic nominee, going up against former President Donald Trump.  

Until that bombshell, the focus had been on the U.S. Senate race. The seat was filled by Dianne Feinstein from 1993 until her death last year. Then Sen. Laphonza Butler, the temporary replacement appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, shocked the political world by not trying to keep the job. In the March 5 primary, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey, a former baseball star, moved on to the Nov. 5 general election. 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.  

After a flurry of last-minute changes, there will be 10 ballot propositions, including two bond issues and three constitutional amendments. 

You have a lot of big decisions. Our 2024 California Voter Guide is here to help. And keep up with CalMatters election coverage by signing up for email alerts.

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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?

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, Gabriel Hongsdusit
Web development: Avriana Allen, Kevin Marsden
Project management: Sapna Satagopan, Shyla Nott
Editors: Kristen Go, Foon Rhee

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