When can you cast a ballot in California before Election Day? Where? Your guide to early voting

The 2024 general election is less than a month away.

Californians can 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 .

What if you don’t want to wait until Election Day, Nov. 5, to cast your ballot?

Here’s your guide to early voting in California:

When are ballots sent out?

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

How early can I vote in person in California?

Early voting sites opened in California on Monday, Oct. 7.

Where can I vote ahead of Election Day?

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 were open across California as of Thursday, Oct. 10.

“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 vote?

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?

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.