Voter Information Información para Votantes
Voting informationfor real life
I want voting to feel straightforward. As a mom and small-business owner, I know how quickly a day fills up, so I want you to be able to come here, find what you need, and make a plan that works for your life.
If you live in District 6, our City Council race will be on your ballot. Whether you have voted for years or this is your first election, I hope this page feels like a neighbor pointing you in the right direction. I have linked the official sources so you can confirm your registration, ballot, and voting information with confidence.
Election Day Día de las Elecciones
NOV 3 Tuesday · 2026 Polls 7 AM–8 PM Vote in person or return a ballot in person by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.Four Dates to Know Cuatro Fechas Importantes
Here are the dates I want you to remember
If I were writing four election dates on the family calendar, these are the ones I would circle.
5
Ballots start mailing
Your ballot should begin making its way to you. This is a good time to make sure your registration and mailing address are current.
6
Drop locations open
Secure official drop-off locations open, giving you another simple way to return your ballot when it works for your schedule.
19
Online registration deadline
This is the regular online registration deadline. If you miss it, please do not assume you have lost your chance to vote — Same Day Registration is still available afterward.
3
Election Day
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If Election Day is the day that works for you, you still have the full day to make your voice heard.
— NOV 3 Same Day / Conditional Registration
Missed the Deadline? ¿Perdió la Fecha Límite?
Please do not count yourself out
If October 19 slips by, you can still register and vote. California offers Same Day, or conditional, voter registration from October 20 through Election Day. Life gets busy; a missed deadline does not have to mean a missed vote. Use the official County Elections information below for locations and instructions.
County Voting OptionsThree Ways to Return Your Ballot Tres Formas de Entregar su Boleta
Choose the way that fits your day
There is no single right way to return a ballot. Pick the option that is easiest and most reliable for you.
Option 01
By Mail
If mailing is easiest, complete your ballot, seal and sign the return envelope, and send it back early enough to meet the official return requirements.
Official Voting OptionsOption 02
Drop Box
If a drop box fits better into your errands or commute, use an official secure location and check County Elections for current hours and locations.
Find Voting OptionsOption 03
In Person
If you prefer to vote in person, you can. On Election Day, polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
County ElectionsVote by Mail Voto por Correo
Your ballot comes to you
If you are an active registered California voter, you do not need to request a vote-by-mail ballot. It will be mailed to you. I still encourage you to take a minute now to check your voter status and mailing address, especially if you have moved recently.
Returning a Mail Ballot Cómo Devolver su Boleta
Four small steps when your ballot arrives
Official Voter Tools Herramientas Oficiales para Votantes
The official links I would send a neighbor
Register
Use this if you need to register for the first time or update your address or registration.
Check Status
Take a minute to confirm that your registration is active and your information is correct.
Track Ballot
Once you return your ballot, this is the official tool I would use to follow its status.
Local Voting Info
For local voting locations, ballot-return options, accessibility, language assistance, forms, or help from a real person.
Need Election Help? ¿Necesita Ayuda Electoral?
If something is confusing, ask for help
You should not have to figure out an election question alone. For ballots, registration, drop-off locations, voting sites, language assistance, or accessibility information, Santa Barbara County Elections is the official local source. Call them if you need help — that is what they are there for.
Quick Election Answers
Questions I hear from neighbors
When is the District 6 election?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. If you live in District 6, our City Council race will be on your ballot, along with the Mayor’s race.
Official City Election InformationHow do I know whether I live in District 6?
If you are not sure whether you are in District 6, please check rather than guess. The City’s official district map can confirm which Council district includes your address.
Official City District MapWhat if I miss the October 19 registration deadline?
You can still participate. Same Day, or conditional, voter registration is available from October 20 through Election Day. County Elections can tell you exactly where to go and what to do.
County Voting OptionsBe Ready
Before you leave, take two minutes for yourself
Check your registration and mailing address now. It is one small thing you can do today that makes voting easier later. And if someone in your family, on your block, or at work has questions, please share these official resources with them too.