Election Center

Prepare for November 3 with confidence.

See what is happening now, what comes next, and how to vote in the way that works best for you. Official election links, deadlines, county information, and voting tools are gathered here so you can move from information to a clear voting plan.

Live election guidance

What should I do today?

This panel changes automatically as the election calendar moves forward and surfaces the most useful next action.

Current priority

Confirm your voter registration.

Election information is being finalized. This is a good time to verify your voter record and start deciding how you want to vote.

Key voter dates

Know what happens next.

Select a date to see what it means and what action to take. The page automatically opens the next relevant milestone.

Upcoming milestone
October 5, 2026

Counties begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots.

Every active registered California voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

  • Confirm your registration and mailing address.
Personalized voting plan

Build my voting plan.

Choose your county and how you expect to vote. This tool creates a short plan in your browser. Nothing is submitted or saved.

Santa Barbara County · Vote by mail

Confirm your registration, watch for your ballot, return it, then track it.

  1. Check your voter status and mailing address.
  2. When your ballot arrives, follow the instructions and sign the return envelope.
  3. Return it early and use California's official ballot-tracking service.
Plan your vote

Choose the voting method that fits your life.

California active registered voters receive a vote-by-mail ballot. You may return it by mail, use an official drop-off location, or vote in person.

Vote by mail

Complete and return your ballot early.

Voting early gives you time to correct a missing signature or other issue if election officials contact you.

01 Review

Read the instructions and use official voter guides for candidate and measure information.

02 Sign

Seal the return envelope and sign it using the signature election officials have on file.

03 Return and track

Mail it early and use the official ballot-tracking service to confirm its status.

Personal checklist

Five steps before you vote.

Use this temporary checklist while you plan. It resets when the page is refreshed and does not collect or save your information.

Preparation progress 0 of 5

Start by confirming your voter registration.

Tri-County election hub

Go directly to your county's official election office.

Choose a county for official local election information, ballot administration, voting locations, and county-specific notices.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County Elections

Official local information for the November 3, 2026 General Election, registration, ballots, polling locations, candidates, contests, and election administration.

Official and trusted sources

Use primary election sources first.

805 EPIC organizes the path. Election officials remain authoritative for voter records, ballots, locations, deadlines, and election administration.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County Elections

Official county election information, voter registration, ballots, contests, and local administration.

Ventura County

Ventura County Elections

Official Ventura County election information, vote centers, ballots, contests, and election administration.

San Luis Obispo County

SLO County Elections

Official SLO County election information, ballots, polling information, contests, and election administration.

Statewide election information

California Secretary of State

Official statewide election dates, voter registration, vote-by-mail guidance, language access, ballot tracking, and election resources.

Nonpartisan voter assistance

Election Protection

Nonpartisan assistance for registration questions, ballot issues, voting-place concerns, access barriers, intimidation, and uncertainty.

A voting problem?

The Election Center prepares you. Voter Help responds when something goes wrong.

Use the Voter Help page or call 866-OUR-VOTE for nonpartisan assistance with registration, ballots, polling places, accessibility, intimidation, or interference.