California civic guide
The laws and deadlines that matter when you want to change something in California: how to get public records, how public meetings work, and how to vote.
Your 2026 election
General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Register by
- Online Oct 19 · Mail postmarked Oct 19 · In person Oct 19
- Same-day registration
- Yes, conditional registration Oct 20 – Nov 3 at county offices and vote centers
- Early voting
- Varies by county; vote centers from Oct 24; all counties Oct 31 – Nov 3
- Statewide ballot measures
- 14 on the ballot
- Bonds for housing affordability programs (Prop 1)
- Require voter identification (Prop 39)
- One-time tax on certain very wealthy taxpayers (Prop 40)
- + 11 more
Titles as listed by official sources. Read the full text and the official summary before you vote.
Public records
Anyone can ask a government agency for copies of its records. You usually don't have to say why.
- Law
- California Public Records Act (CPRA)
- Citation
- Cal. Gov't Code § 7920.000 et seq.
- First response deadline
- 10 calendar days to decide and notify (§ 7922.535); up to 14 more days in unusual cases
Open meetings
Most government boards must meet in public and post notice ahead of time.
- Law
- Ralph M. Brown Act (local); Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (state)
- Citation
- Gov't Code §§ 54950-54963; §§ 11120-11132
Recording conversations
All-party consent for confidential conversations; all-party for cellphone or cordless calls
This is about recording conversations. Recording officials in public is a separate question that courts decide case by case.
More to know
- Pre-registration age (sign up before 18)
- Age 16
- Ballot initiatives
- Yes. Citizens can petition to put new laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot.
What's bugging you in California?
Pick an issue and we'll show you who handles it and help you write to them.
Start on Civic Ladder →Learn the skillsSources
- https://www.rcfp.org/open-government-guide/california/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-7922-535/
- https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide/california/
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/preregistration-for-young-voters
- https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/qualified-ballot-measures
- https://ruvoting.rutgers.edu/states/california/
General civic information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change; confirm with the official office. Election details as researched 2026-10-17.