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2026-11-02 23:19 UTC → 2026-11-03 08:11 UTC ·
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California 2026 midterm election voter turnout developments
Early voting for As the 2026 November 3 midterm elections in San Francisco has shown approach, voter engagement remains high engagement. Officials reported that nearly 130,000 voters across several California regions. By November 1, at least 6.4 million residents had cast ballots by the Saturday preceding the election, a pace exceeding the city’s June primary. Director of Elections John Arntz noted ballots. In Orange County, early voting data indicates that approximately 24% 324,987 registered voters, or nearly 40 percent of the registered voters had returned ballots, compared to 17% population, have participated. This figure already surpasses the total turnout recorded during the June primary. 2022 midterm cycle. The gubernatorial race to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is barred from a third term by state constitutional limits, features Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Newsom will remain in office until January 4, 2027. Other significant contests include races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and various local and judicial offices. Voters are weighing issues such as the gubernatorial race, also deciding on several key propositions. Proposition 40 proposes a proposed one-time 5 percent tax on billionaires, billionaires with assets exceeding $1 billion to fund healthcare and education, a regional transit tax. As the November 3 midterm elections approach, measure facing opposition from Propositions 41 and 42. Additionally, a proposed $11.25 billion bond aims to fund veteran assistance and affordable housing. Regional turnout patterns vary across the state. In continue to vary. While San Francisco previously reported high engagement, Imperial County, County officials have counted approximately 17,000 ballots, though coordinators noted ballots as of November 2, noting that participation percentages appear lower than those recorded during in the June primary. In San Diego County, voters are considering propositions regarding immunology research and affordable housing, alongside races that may influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Election guides are advising voters to utilize secure drop boxes or in-person voting locations rather than relying on the U.S. Postal Service for last-minute mail-in ballots to ensure they are counted.