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Voter Information

This November, San Luis Obispo County voters decide on issues and leaders that shape our community for years to come. The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Every active registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Here’s the basic information you need to cast yours.

Dates to Know

Oct 5	Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing to all active registered voters; early voting sites open.
Oct 19	Last day to register to vote online or by mail for the November 3 election. Oct 20–Nov 3: Same-day (conditional) registration available. Register and vote in person at the County Elections Office (SLO or Atascadero) or any polling location. Bring ID with your current address.
Nov 3	GENERAL ELECTION DAY — polls open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Nov 10	Deadline for mailed ballots to be received; they must be postmarked on or before November 3.

SLO to the Polls · General Election 2026

Every vote. Every voice.

What’s on Your November Ballot

This is a big ballot. SLO County voters will decide on 14 statewide propositions and 8 local measures, plus federal, state, county, and city races. Start reviewing early so you’re ready to vote.

City of San Luis Obispo residents — an important change: The City of SLO is implementing Citywide Single Vote elections in November 2026 (vote for one, top two win). If you live in the City of SLO, learn more about this change.

Use VOTE411 and our Pros and Cons page to understand every measure before you fill out your ballot.

Be an Informed Voter

Get all the information you need to be an informed voter. Here are some valuable sources.
Visit VOTE411 to look up your personalized ballot. With VOTE411 you can:
- get information on candidates, measures, and who supports them
- check where, when and how to vote
- make notes to fill out your ballot.
Read the Easy Voter Guide — a plain-language reference on why, how, and what to vote. Available in 5 languages (English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese).
Review ballot measures on our Pros and Cons page.
Attend a candidates forum or view a replay on our Candidates Forums page.
Voter FAQs
California Secretary of State info
Federal government info

One-Stop County Info

Everything for SLO County voters at the Clerk-Recorder’s website.

November 3 General Election ›

Visit the Clerk-Recorder to:

Check your voter registration status
Register to vote
Track your ballot
Find a drop box
Get a list of candidates
Research local ballot measures
Find answers to all the FAQs

How to Vote

You have several options to submit your ballot:

Mail — Postmark on or before Election Day. Your signature should match the name you registered with or on your CA driver’s license.
Tip: SLO County’s nearest postal hub is in Goleta (50+ miles away). Mail 7–10 days early — or take it inside a post office for a hand-stamped postmark.
No Envelope? — Bring your vote-by-mail ballot to the County Elections Office (SLO or Atascadero) and sign a short form there. Staff verify your signature on the spot and give you a privacy sleeve to vote right then. This option is only available at the elections offices, not drop boxes or polling places, and these ballots are counted early on election night.
Drop Box — Deposit your sealed ballot in an official drop box. Find drop box locations.
Polling Place — Vote in person, drop off, or register. Look up your polling place.
Track — Sign up to track your ballot.