Voting in California generally ends at 8:00 p.m. local time on Election Day, when the polls officially close statewide.

Core rule for Election Day

  • In California, in‑person voting hours for statewide elections run from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you are still allowed to vote, even if you cast your ballot after 8:00 p.m.

Vote‑by‑mail deadlines

  • Personally delivered vote‑by‑mail ballots must arrive at a voting location, drop box, or county elections office by the close of polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the county elections office by the statutory “received by” deadline (for the June 2, 2026 primary, that is June 9, 2026).

June 2, 2026 primary timing

  • The next statewide primary in California is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • All active registered voters will receive a vote‑by‑mail ballot for this primary, which can be returned by mail, in person, or via official drop box subject to the same 8:00 p.m. and postmark rules above.

Practical tips

  • To be safe, aim to mail your ballot several days before Election Day so that it is clearly postmarked on time.
  • If it is close to Election Day, use an official drop box or vote center so your ballot is in by 8:00 p.m. and you do not have to worry about postal delays.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.