Voter Guides

Key 2026 dates

March 26
Candidates are certified.
April 23 – May 12
Voter information goes out from the state and counties.
May 4
Mail-in ballots sent to voters by this date. Vote centers open. Find vote centers for L.A. County and Orange County.
May 5
Ballot drop boxes must be open. Find locations for L.A. County and Orange County.
May 18
Last day to register online to vote. Register here.
June 2: Primary election day
If your vote-by-mail ballot is postmarked by election day and received within seven days, it will be counted. Track your ballot here.
July 10
All primary results final.
Nov. 3
General election day

LAist reporters are hard at work on voter guides for the 2026 midterm primary.

We know Southern Californians have come to rely on LAist for fact-based information that helps voters cast ballots confident that their choices align with their point of view.

We're not here to tell you how to vote. We are committed to making sure you understand the jobs to be done for each elected office and the candidates running — including judges — and the issues underpinning ballot initiatives.

Our voter guides will start rolling out ahead of your mail-in ballot arriving in your mailbox. Let us know about specific issues you want to know more about.

Latest election news

Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy

Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.
At first major LA mayoral debate, some leading alternatives to Bass agree that LA needs fixing

Incumbent Karen Bass declined the invitation. The debate, organized by the groups Streets for All and Housing Action Coalition, focused on housing and transportation
Lopsided fundraising in Long Beach mayor’s race: No challengers report bringing in any cash

Incumbent Mayor Rex Richardson, meanwhile, has raised more than $336,000.
California’s next insurance commissioner will have ‘brutal’ balancing act

Ricardo Lara’s successor will have a full plate. Insurance premiums are rising; fire survivors are struggling; the FAIR Plan is still growing.
The field is set: Meet the candidates officially running for California governor

Eight Democrats and two Republicans have filed officially to run for California governor by the Friday deadline. The crowded field could give GOP candidates a boost.
What questions do you have for the LA mayoral candidates?

Help us make sure the candidates address the issues you care about most.

2026 Election Guides

LAist reporters are hard at work on voter guides, check back in soon!

Los Angeles County Guides

Your source for the top races in Los Angeles County.
Orange County Guides

Your source for the top races in Orange County.

About California's new congressional districts

Federal judges uphold California’s new congressional maps favoring Democrats

The ruling denies a request by California Republicans and the Trump administration for a preliminary injunction blocking the maps created by Proposition 50.
How Prop 50 is shaping 2026 and what it means for SoCal voters

The vote isn't certified yet, but a lot has happened since Election Day.
Half of California voters turned out for Prop 50. Here's how SoCal voted

Statewide turnout was 50%. It was lower in L.A. County and higher in Orange County.

What questions do you have about this election?

You ask, and we'll answer: Whether it's about who's funding the campaigns or how to track your ballot, we're here to help you understand the 2026 election

More 2026 Election News