When can I vote in 2024 presidential election? Here are key dates and deadlines in California

The 2024 general election is just a few months away — and it’s a big one.

Californians will be able to vote for president and vice president as well as U.S. senators and representatives. They can also make their voices heard by voting on a number of ballot propositions .

To make sure you vote is counted, here are key dates and deadlines for the 2024 general election in California:

When is the 2024 presidential election?

The 2024 presidential election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

California voters can fill out their ballots as soon as they’ve received them via U.S. Postal Service delivery, and then mail them in.

When are ballots sent out?

By Monday, Oct. 7, county elections officials in California will mail ballots to each active registered voter for the 2024 general election, according to the California Secretary of State’s voter guide.

What’s the deadline to register to vote?

The last day to register to vote will be Monday, Oct. 21.

Voters can track their registration status online through MyVoterStatus.

From Tuesday, Oct. 22, to Nov. 5, Election Day, eligible California residents can sign up for same-day voter registration .

Voters can “conditionally” register and use provisional ballots to cast their votes.

Who is eligible to vote in California?

To be eligible to vote in California, you must be:

• A United States citizen
• A California resident
• At least 18 years old on Election Day
• Currently not serving time in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction
• Currently not found mentally incompetent by a court ruling

How early can I vote in person?

Early voting sites will open on Monday, Oct. 7.

Eligible U.S. citizens can find their nearest location for early voting on the California Secretary of State’s website.

When can I drop off my vote-by-mail ballot?

Ballot drop-off locations will open no later than Tuesday, Oct. 8.

“Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office,” the California Secretary of State website says. “If you are not sure your vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time if mailed, bring it to any polling place in the state between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day.”

To track a vote-by-mail ballot, voters can sign up online to receive status alerts through text, email or calls.

When is the deadline to mail my ballot?

The last day to vote will be Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by a county elections office no later than seven days after Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 12, according to the California Secretary of State.

After completing your ballot, you should use the postage-paid envelope provided and sign the ballot before mailing it in.

You can return your completed ballot by mailing it to a local county elections official, returning it in-person to a polling place or returning it at a drop-off location or a ballot drop box.

You can also authorize someone to return your ballot on your behalf.

What are poll open hours for Election Day in California?

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Beginning at 8 p.m., county elections officials will tally election results, according to the California Secretary of State.

Have a question about the 2024 election season?

ASK THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE JOURNALISM TEAM

You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below. We have reporters covering election news in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo.