Stocktonia is committed to providing independent and fair coverage of the upcoming election. Visit our Elections 2024 page for our latest stories, candidate profiles, event coverage and important information.

Important dates

• State Assembly, District 13
• State Senate, District 5
• San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, District 1
• San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, District 3
• Stockton's mayor
• Stockton City Council, District 2
• Stockton City Council, District 4
• Stockton City Council, District 6
• Stockton Unified School District, Area 1
• Stockton Unified School District, Area 3
• Stockton Unified School District, Area 4

To find your district in San Joaquin County, visit: SJC District Lookup

To find your Stockton City Council district visit: Stockton City Council District Lookup

For information about registering to vote, visit: San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters

To find polling locations in the county, visit: SJC Polling Locations

Frequently asked questions

Does everyone get a ballot in the mail?

Yes. A 2021 law makes absentee voting permanent for every active registered voter.

When will I receive my postal ballot?

District election offices will begin sending out ballots no later than October 7th.

How do I return my mail-in ballot?

• Send it to your county elections office
• Drop it off at a ballot drop box, vote center or polling place anywhere in the state
• Ask someone you trust to do this for you, but that person can't get money

Stay informed

This election is important – don't miss anything. Subscribe to our morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox three days a week. As a newsletter subscriber, we'll keep you up to date on the latest news and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what else we have planned. You'll also receive special updates on Election Day.

Can I vote in person? How do I find my polling place or voting center?

Yes, although the quickest way to get your vote counted quickly is to mail your ballot as quickly as possible. Find out where you can vote here:

• Check online
• Text “VOTE” to GOVOTE (468-8683)
• Call the Secretary of State's hotline at (800) 345-VOTE

How do I register?

You can register online. You need:

• Your California driver's license or California ID card number
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Your date of birth

Once your signature is received by the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can complete the process online. If not, you will need to print, sign, and mail your complete application to your county elections office. You can also pick up a paper application at election offices, any DMV office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices. You will be contacted if your application is approved or if you need to provide further information.

What happens if I miss the voter registration deadline?

The last day to register online for the general election is October 21st. If you register or re-register less than 15 days before November 5th, you must complete voter registration that same day and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling place.

How can I change my political party if I am already registered?

To vote, you must register again.

What if I need voter information in a language other than English?
The Secretary of State's Office has voter instructions in the following languages: Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese. Your district election office may offer additional languages.

Can I leave work to vote?

Yes. California is one of at least 31 states that require time off to vote if employees don't have enough time outside of work hours. You can take as much time as you need, but employers only have to pay for a maximum of two hours.

Employers may request advance notice. The free time must be at the beginning or end of your shift. Employers are required to post notice 10 days before a national election.

What if I have special circumstances? What happens if I become disabled or have a medical emergency?

You can still vote, and there are special procedures to help. Here are tips for remote voting from home. And here is a tip sheet in case you have a medical emergency.

Can I vote if I have no permanent address?

Yes. California law allows you to use your most recent address for voting purposes, whether you are unhoused or live between residences for any reason. You can also use a business address if you live there.

If you don't need to fill out a specific street location on your voter registration card, you can specify the city, zip code and nearest cross streets. This could be a public campground or park.

You must also provide a current mailing address where you can receive your voting materials, such as a PO Box. The U.S. Postal Service provides general mail delivery services to customers without a fixed address and no identification.

How can I track my ballot?

Go online and select “My Voter Status” to check whether your vote was counted and, if not, what the problem was.

Reporting by CalMatters.

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