Election 2026: Mailing your ballot? What voters need to know as Election Day approaches

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - With less than a week until Election Day, California voters who have not yet returned their mail-in ballots are being encouraged to pay close attention to important deadlines.

The California Secretary of State recommends voters mail their ballots at least seven days before Election Day. That recommended window ended Tuesday, October 27.

While voters can still return their ballots through the mail, the timing of their postmark could determine whether their vote is counted.

Under California law, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by county election officials no later than November 10.

Voters also have the option of returning their completed ballots to an official ballot drop box or voting center before polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the United States Postal Service and Riverside County Registrar of Voters for more information about ballot processing, postmark procedures and what voters should know before returning their ballots.

Tonight at 5, News Channel 3's Raymond Kalra takes a closer look at what happens after you mail your ballot, why the postmark matters and the steps you can take to make sure your vote is counted.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Decision 2026.