California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., urges voters to return their ballots early to help reduce barriers for working families and communities. Here’s how to easily cast your vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election:

Complete it: Mark your choices on your vote-by-mail ballot.Seal it: Place your ballot inside the official return envelope.Sign it: Sign the outside of the return envelope. Make sure your signature matches the one on your California driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration.Return it: Choose one of three ways to return your ballot:Drop box: Secure official drop boxes are available statewide from Oct. 7 through 8 p.m. Nov. 4.By mail: Mail your ballot by Nov. 4 (postmark date counts; no stamp needed).In person: Drop off at any polling place, vote center, or county elections office by 8 p.m. Nov. 4.Track it: Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to receive updates on your ballot status via text, email, or voice alerts.

Additional Information:

Register or update your voter registration online at registertovote.ca.gov by Oct. 20, 2025.Same-day voter registration is available at county elections offices and in-person voting locations on Election Day.Check your registration status at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.All active voters will receive two voter information guides: the state guide (available electronically in 10 languages) and your county guide with local candidate and ballot measure details.

 

For questions or assistance, contact the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Hotline.

 

Don’t delay—vote today! Early voting helps make the process easier and more accessible for everyone.