Voting is a powerful tool for improving the health of all Californians. With major upcoming elections at the federal, state, and local levels, voting is a way that people can use their voice to advance policy that shapes their overall well-being, from health care access to environmental sustainability, and everything in between. Engaging in the voting process builds a strong sense of community and responsibility, boosting both mental and physical health. Family physicians, as trusted community leaders, are perfectly positioned to lead this charge. By helping patients register to vote, family physicians are not just promoting civic engagement—they are actively strengthening the health and unity of their communities.

Recognizing the pivotal role of our family physicians in building momentum for civic engagement, the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) is supporting our members with an easy way to engage with patients and get them registered to vote ASAP. CAFP is providing easy-to-use, downloadable resources and information to help physicians educate their patients about the voting process. 

June 2, 2026, Primary Election

• The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.
• All California active registered voters will receive a ballot for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.
• County elections officials began mailing ballots on May 4, 2026.
• Secure ballot drop-off locations opened on May 5, 2026.
• Ballots can be dropped off at a drop-off location, county elections office, or returned by mail.
• The first vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties on May 23, 2026.
• In person early voting locations throughout California will be open on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
• June 2 is the last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2. If mailing on Elections Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.

November 3, 2026, General Election

• The last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026, General Election is October 19, 2026.
• All California active registered voters will receive a ballot for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
• County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by October 5, 2026.
• Secure ballot drop-off locations open on October 6, 2026.
• Ballots can be dropped off at a drop-off location, county elections office, or returned by mail.
• The first vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties on October 24, 2026.
• In person early voting locations throughout California will be open on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
• November 3 is the last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3. If mailing on Elections Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.

To Register to Vote, You Must Be:

• A United States citizen and a resident of California,
• 18 years old or older on Election Day,
• Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony (for more information on the rights of people who have been incarcerated, please see the Secretary of State's Voting Rights: Persons with a Criminal History), and
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court (for more information, please see Voting Rights: Persons Subject to Conservatorship).

What is Vot-ER and why is it important?

Vot-ER is a nonpartisan platform designed to empower physicians and other health care providers in getting their patients registered to vote during medical visits. Because medical offices are crucial community hubs for patients across the diverse communities in California, they serve as an excellent location, paired with the trusted relationships fostered by family physicians, to help patients take the crucial first step in civic engagement- registering to vote. 

Vot-ER seamlessly integrates voter registration into the health care setting, making it easy and accessible. For family physicians, Vot-ER is an invaluable tool to promote civic engagement, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and contribute to the overall health of their communities by ensuring patients have a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Vot-ER Facility Materials - Make it easy for patients to register to vote while they wait! Vot-ER facility materials provide a simple, nonpartisan way to promote civic engagement in your clinic or office through posters, badge backers, and QR codes that connect patients to voter registration and election resources in seconds.

For complete voting/election information go to the California Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/