Golden State Today

Ballot drop boxes have opened across California, marking the start of the vote-by-mail period for the upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election. All active registered voters in the state will receive their vote-by-mail ballots shortly as county elections officials begin mailing them.

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., stated, "Drop boxes provide yet another way for California voters to return their vote-by-mail ballot where it makes most sense for them and at their own convenience."

Voters can deposit their completed ballots at any secure official drop box within their county or anywhere in California from October 8 until 8:00 p.m. on November 5. A comprehensive list of drop box locations is available on the Secretary of State’s Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop-off Locations webpage.

Before returning their ballots, voters must ensure that they seal, sign, and date the return envelope. The signature should match either the one on file with their California driver's license/state ID or the one provided during voter registration. County elections officials will verify these signatures before counting the ballots.

To track their ballots' status—whether received, counted, or requiring correction—voters can register for updates via text, email, or voice alerts by visiting wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Voter registration and updates can be done online at registertovote.ca.gov. Voters unsure about their registration status can check it online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

Additional resources include a video guide on voting by mail available on YouTube and information about county elections offices accessible through sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices.