Stocktonia is committed to providing independent, fair coverage of the upcoming elections. Find our latest stories, candidate profiles, event coverage and key information on our Elections 2024 page.

Key dates

Oct. 7

Ballots mailed to every California voter; early voting sites open.

Oct. 7-Nov. 5

Window to return vote-by-mail ballots.

Oct. 8

Vote-by-mail secure drop boxes open.

Oct. 21

Last day to register to vote — either online or by mail. Same-day registration begins Oct. 22.

Oct. 26

First-day vote centers open in Voter’s Choice Act counties for early in-person voting.

Nov. 5

Last day to vote in-person or return a vote-by-mail ballot. Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 5.

Reporting by Stocktonia and CalMatters.

Local races

  • State Assembly, District 13
  • State Senate, District 5
  • San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, District 1
  • San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, District 3
  • Stockton mayor
  • Stockton City Council, District 2
  • Stockton City Council, District 4
  • Stockton City Council, District 6
  • Stockton Unified School District, Area 1
  • Stockton Unified School District, Area 3
  • Stockton Unified School District, Area 4

To find your San Joaquin County district, visit: SJC District Lookup

To find your Stockton City Council district, visit: Stockton City Council District Lookup

For information on registering to vote, visit: San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters

To locate county polling places, visit: SJC Polling Locations

More election coverage

Find all of our coverage on our Elections 2024 page.

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.

When will I receive my mail-in ballot?

County election offices will begin mailing ballots no later than Oct. 7.

How do I return my mail-in ballot?

  • Mail it to your county elections office
  • Drop it off at a ballot drop box, vote center or polling location anywhere in the state
  • Ask someone you trust to do it for you, but that person can’t get paid

Stay informed

This election is important — don’t miss a thing. Sign up for our morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox three days week. As a newsletter subscriber, we’ll keep you updated on the latest news and give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what else we have planned. Plus, you’ll get special updates on Election Day.

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

How do I register?

You can register online. You’ll need:

  • Your California driver license or California identification card number
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth

If the Department of Motor Vehicles has your signature on file, you’ll be able to complete the process online. If not, you’ll need to print, sign and mail your completed application to your county elections office. You also can pick up a paper application at elections offices, any DMV office and at many post offices, public libraries and government offices. You’ll be contacted when your application is approved, or if you need to provide more information.

What happens if I miss the voter registration deadline?

The last day to register online for the general election is Oct. 21. If you are registering or re-registering less than 15 days before Nov. 5, you must complete same-day voter registration and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. 

How do I change my political party if I’m already registered?

You’ll need to re-register to vote.

What if I need voter information in a language other than English?
The Secretary of State’s office has voter instructions in the following languages: Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese. Your county elections office may offer additional languages. 

Can I leave work to vote?

Yes. California is one of at least 31 states that requires time off for voting if employees don’t have enough time outside work hours. You can take as much time as you need, but employers are required to pay for only a maximum of two hours.

Employers may require advance notice. The time off must be at the beginning or the end of your shift. Employers are required to post a notice about this 10 days before a statewide election.

What if I have special circumstances? What if I’m disabled or have a medical emergency?

You can still vote, and there are specific procedures in place to help. Here’s a tip sheet on how to vote remotely from your home. And here’s a tip sheet if you have a medical emergency.

Can I vote if I don’t have a permanent address?

Yes. Under California law, whether you are unhoused, or in between residences for any reason, you still can use your last address for voting purposes. You also can use a business address, if that’s where you live.

If you don’t have a specific street location to fill out on your voter registration card, you can provide the city, ZIP code and closest intersecting cross streets. This may be a public camp or park.

You also must provide a current mailing address where you can receive your voting materials, such as a P.O. box. The U.S. Postal Service offers general delivery mail services to customers with no fixed address and no identification.

How can I track my ballot?

Go online and select “My Voter Status” to check whether your vote was counted and if not, what the issue was.

Reporting by CalMatters.