California Holds 2026 Midterm Elections With High Early Turnout
California voters cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, with over 6.4 million registered voters participating early across the state.
The Secretary of State of California reported that over 6.4 million of the state's 23 million registered voters cast ballots early for the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Polls closed at 8 p.m., with voters in Los Angeles and Orange counties utilizing flexible vote centers, while others used dropboxes or the United States Postal Service. Eligible citizens were also permitted to use conditional voter registration on Election Day, though those ballots require verification before being counted.
In the Inland Empire, high early turnout saw over 605,000 ballots cast in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Key contests in the region include a Republican intraparty battle between Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim for the 40th Congressional District and a rematch for the 58th Assembly District between incumbent Leticia Castillo and challenger Clarissa Cervantes. In Ontario, Councilmember Alan Wapner sought reelection to the city council after withdrawing from a mayoral race following an FBI corruption probe.
Regional voters also decided on several ballot measures, including a school repair bond in San Bernardino County, a warehouse business license tax in Perris, and an extension of the Measure A transportation tax in Riverside County. Local officials must certify county results by December 3, with the state's final certification due by December 11.
