San Diego sets Nov. 3 deadline for mail ballots in 2026 midterms
Voters in the county have until Tuesday evening to drop off or mail their ballots, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to decide the next governor and local officials.
By Ethan Cook ·
San Diego County voters must submit their ballots by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to be counted in the 2026 midterm elections. This deadline applies to ballots returned by mail, dropped in secure boxes, or cast in person at vote centers. The county registrar confirms that anyone in line by the closing time will be permitted to vote.
The election will determine California's next governor, as incumbent Gavin Newsom reaches the maximum term limit. Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra represents the Democratic Party. He faces Steve Hilton, a former political commentator for Fox News, from the Republican Party. Voters will also select candidates for the state legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and various local offices.
Local races include two seats on the San Diego Board of Supervisors and congressional contests in the 48th and 49th districts. Residents within the city of San Diego will also choose representatives for districts 2, 4, 6, and 8. The ballot features 14 California propositions covering housing, taxes, and environmental regulations, along with two countywide measures regarding supervisor term limits and sales tax.
Mail ballots began reaching registered voters during the week of Oct. 5. Under the state's Voter's Choice Act, every active registered voter automatically receives one. If a voter has not received a ballot or has lost it, they can request a replacement through the San Diego County Registrar of Voters website. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the registrar by Nov. 10 to be counted.
Those who missed the Oct. 19 registration deadline can still vote using a provisional ballot. Eligible Californians can register and cast a provisional ballot at any vote center or the Registrar of Voters office at 5600 Overland Ave. in San Diego. The vote counts once registration is verified. This process also registers the individual for future elections.
In-person voting began on Oct. 24 at select locations. Polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. California does not generally require identification at the polls. Exceptions apply to first-time federal voters who registered by mail or online without providing a California ID or Social Security number.
Upon arriving at a vote center, voters check in and sign an electronic roster known as the ePollbook. This action suspends the barcode on any mailed ballot envelope to prevent double voting. Voters mark their choices on a touchscreen device. The system prints the official ballot, which is then inserted into the ballot box for tabulation.
The county maintains more than 100 official ballot drop boxes. These boxes are red, white, and blue and labeled "Official Ballot Drop Box." They are located in libraries, parks, and other public spaces. Drop boxes opened on Oct. 4 and will stay accessible until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Most are available 24 hours a day, though specific locations may have different access hours.
Voters can vote at any drop box in the county regardless of their registered address. Preliminary election results will be released as soon as polls close on Nov. 3. California officials have until Dec. 3 to certify final results. Some races may be decided immediately, while others could take days or weeks to call.
To report voting problems, such as intimidation or equipment issues, voters can submit a form on the California Secretary of State website. Voter fraud and suppression are classified as felonies. The San Diego County Registrar of Voters website provides a sample ballot and allows voters to verify their registration status.
