Funded in part by

2024 Voter Guide

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

Jump To

• Key Election Dates
• FAQ
• Background
• Fundraising
• Ask Us
• Related News

Find your local races

Enter your address to get a preview of ballot measures and races that directly impact your local community. →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone get a ballot in the mail?

Yes. A 2021 law makes vote-by-mail ballots permanent for every active registered voter. The Secretary of State is tracking how many are being returned.

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 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.

Quick Links

• Propositions ↗
• U.S. Senate ↗
• U.S. House ↗
• State Senate ↗
• State Assembly ↗
• Voting FAQ ↗
• Election News ↗

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.

Related News

Free to read, but not free to produce

We’re CalMatters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom for Californians.

We’re proud that our Voter Guide, which informs millions of people each election, is free for everyone.

We need your help to continue doing critical work that informs voters.

If you can, a modest donation will help us publish quality election information now. And together, we’ll continue holding elected leaders accountable every day of the year.

Please make today the day you support quality journalism. Every donation helps.

Give now

Credits