California 2024 Election Guide | Key dates and information

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Election season is ramping up and we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know before you head to the polls.

As always, ABC10 is your go-to source for election information. Be sure to bookmark this story as it will be updated with voter resources, candidate profiles and other election stories as we get closer to Election Day on Nov. 5.

KEY DATES

• Aug. 29: Voters can check their status at My Voter Status to confirm their mailing address and voting status.
• Sept. 6: Online version of Voter Information Guide released.
• Sept. 26: First day the Voter Information Guide is mailed out.
• Oct. 7: Deadline for ballots to be mailed to every California voter. Early voting sites open.
• Oct. 8: Ballot drop-off locations open.
• Oct. 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail.
• Oct. 22: Same-day registration begins.
• Nov. 5: Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to vote by mail and the ballots must be received by Nov. 12.
• Dec. 5: Last day for county officials to certify election results.
• Dec. 13: Statement of Vote certified by Secretary of State
• Dec. 16: Electoral College convenes.

MAJOR RACES

• President: Kamala Harris (D) vs. Donald Trump (R)
• U.S. Senate: Adam Schiff (D) vs. Steve Garvey (R)
• House of Representatives, District 1: Doug LaMalfa (R) vs. Rose Penelope Yee (D)
• House of Representatives, District 3: Kevin Kiley (R) vs. Jessica Morse (D)
• House of Representatives, District 4: Mike Thompson (D) vs. John Munn (R)
• House of Representatives, District 5: Tom McClintock (R) vs. Mike Barkley (D)
• House of Representatives, District 6: Ami Bera (D) vs. Christine Bish (R)
• House of Representatives, District 7: Doris Matsui (D) vs. Tom Silva (R)
• House of Representatives, District 8: John Garamendi (D) vs. Rudy Recile (R)
• House of Representatives, District 9: Josh Harder (D) vs. Kevin Lincoln (R)
• House of Representatives, District 13: John Duarte (R) vs. Adam Gray (D)
• State Senate District 3: Christopher Cabaldon (D) vs. Thomas Bogue (R)
• State Senate District 5: Jerry McNerney (D) vs. Jim Shoemaker (R)
• State Assembly District 6: Maggy Krell (D) vs. Nikki Ellis (R)
• State Assembly District 13: Rhodesia Ransom (D) vs. Denise Aguilar Mendez (R)

Among the major congressional races, Duarte vs Gray is considered a Republican toss up.

Find your congressional district HERE.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS

We know there will be a lot of statewide propositions on your ballot this year and they can often be difficult to understand. We're in the process of putting together videos to cut through all the confusing language and explain exactly how each proposition could impact you. Be sure to check back in for regular updates.

Proposition 2: Borrow $10 billion to build schools, colleges

This bond issue would authorize the state to borrow $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges for construction and modernization. (CalMatters)

Proposition 3: Reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry

This constitutional amendment would remove outdated language from Proposition 8, passed by voters in 2008, that characterizes marriage as only between a man and a woman. (CalMatters)

Proposition 4: Borrow $10 billion to respond to climate change

This bond issue would allow the state to borrow $3.8 billion for drinking water and groundwater programs, $1.5 billion for wildfire and forest programs and $1.2 billion for sea level rise. In part, the money would offset some budget cuts. (CalMatters)

Proposition 5: Lower voter approval requirements for local housing and infrastructure

This constitutional amendment would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for affordable housing and some other public infrastructure projects by lowering the voter approval requirement from two-thirds to 55%. (CalMatters)

Proposition 6: Limit forced labor in state prisons

This constitutional amendment would end indentured servitude in state prisons, considered one of the last remnants of slavery. The California Black Legislative Caucus included the proposal in its reparations agenda. (CalMatters)

Proposition 32: Raise the state minimum wage to $18

This initiative would raise the overall minimum wage from $16 an hour and adjust it for inflation, fast food workers received a $20 an hour minimum on April 1 and health care workers will eventually get $25, though not until at least Oct. 15. (CalMatters)

Proposition 33: Allow local governments to impose rent controls

This is the latest attempt to roll back a state law that generally prevents cities and counties from limiting rents in properties first occupied after Feb. 1, 1995. (CalMatters)

Proposition 34: Require certain providers to use prescription drug revenue for patients

Sponsored by the trade group for California’s landlords, this measure is squarely aimed at knee-capping the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been active in funding ballot measures. (CalMatters)

Proposition 35: Make permanent a tax on managed health care plans

This initiative is sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The tax is set to expire in 2026. (CalMatters)

Proposition 36: Increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking

This measure — supported by Republicans and law enforcement but opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and most Democrats — may be the most contentious on the ballot. It would partly roll back Proposition 47, approved by voters in 2014, that turned some felonies into misdemeanors. (CalMatters)

POLLING LOCATIONS & BALLOT DROPOFF BOXES

Information about polling locations and ballot dropoff boxes will be updated as it's released closer to the election. 

FAQs...

Am I registered to vote?

If you're wondering whether you are registered to vote, you verify your status on the California's Secretary of State website. For more information, click HERE.

Does everyone in California get a ballot mailed to them?

Yes, under a 2021 law, every registered voter will be mailed a ballot.

Can I track my ballot?

California voters can be notified of when their ballot is mailed, received and counted. By using the Where's My Ballot site, people can get notifications for their vote-by-mail ballot, allowing to track it every step of the way. You can sign up HERE.

Where can I see a sample ballot?

While some information on statewide measures and candidates can be found through the California Secretary of State's website, sample ballots are generally mailed out to registered voters about 30 to 40 days before every election. You'll have to go through your local county election's office website to get another copy of the sample ballot, if needed.

Where is my polling place?

Polling places can vary depending on whether your county has vote centers and whether you're voting by mail. Nonetheless, to verify your polling place, you can visit this site through the California Secretary of State.

What do I need to vote?

Generally, a California voter won't be required to show an ID before casting a ballot. That being said, there are some situations where anyone voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail might need some type of ID. It usually happens if a driver's license number or social security number wasn't provided on your voter registration form.

ID could include a recent utility bill, some type of government agency document, a passport, driver license, state ID or student ID with your name and photo.

ASK US A QUESTION

We are asking for your honest answers to the following questions to bring you the most helpful and relevant information during the election season. We encourage you to answer as many questions as you can to help us bring you the most relevant and useful information during the election season.