November 3, 2026 is Election Day and you can easily vote early!
Halfway through every U.S. presidential term, we the people get to vote in midterm elections. Much is always at stake on the midterm ballot and this year is no different.
Early voting is the best election protection plan. Do your research and vote early — and please encourage others to do the same. There is a lot of information on this page – take your time and scroll on!
–U.S. CONGRESS GETS ELECTED– With 2-year terms, all 435 House seats (that’s every single Congressperson) and 1/3 of the Senate (6-year terms) are on the midterm ballot. These elected officials wield extreme power across the country and around the world.
–LOCAL LEADERS GET VOTED IN– These are the officials who make policies that affect day-to-day life in our home towns, our cities, counties and states.
–LAW ENFORCEMENT GETS CHOSEN– We elect judges, attorneys general, and sheriffs during midterms — roles that directly affect the justice system.
–WE DECIDE LAWS & POLICY– It is up to all of us to approve or reject laws by voting on measures and propositions. (There are 14 propositions this year.)
–YOUR VOTE COUNTS MORE– Presidential elections draw about 60% of all eligible voters, and midterm turnout is typically closer to 45%. Relatively speaking, your midterm vote carries more weight.
–YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IS ON THE BALLOT–
These are the people who write law, declare war, approve budgets, provide oversight and determine whether the President’s agenda moves forward smoothly or faces resistance. Midterm elections decide which party controls the U.S. Congress. Republicans currently hold a majority with 218 seats vs Democrats with 214.
–YOUR LOCAL LEADERS ARE ON THE BALLOT–
By casting your vote, you’re helping shape the policies that affect your community. State, County and City officials — the people who oversee and shape schools, roads, and taxes — are on the ballot. These California state offices are on the 2026 ballot:
State Representatives
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Insurance Commissioner
Supt of Public Instruction
Treasurer
Board of Equalization
–IMPORTANT PROPOSITIONS ARE ON THE BALLOT–
It’s a good idea to do research and learn what other people are endorsing and why. For example Prop 40, a one-time tax, has very mixed opinions — 39, 41 and 42 are also controversial. After comprehensive analysis, our good friends at the League of Women Voters offer these trusted recommendations.
Also see our: CA Prop. Positions, November 2026
See who endorses what in the California Choices endorsement chart.
–EARLY VOTING IS THE BEST!–
Michelle Ascencion, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, came to our August meeting and asked us to vote early. Watch the video, check out her Election Timeline, or visit the V.C. Elections Division.
IT’S EASY TO VOTE EARLY AT A DROP BOX OR IN PERSON AT A VOTE CENTER
Return your ballot to any Ventura County Official Ballot Drop Box starting October 5 and up until 8PM on November 3. Secure Ballot Drop Boxes are clearly marked with the Seal of the V.C. Clerk-Recorder.
–OJAI DROP BOX–
Ojai City Hall – 401 S. Ventura
–OAK VIEW DROP BOX–
V.C. Fire Station #23 – 15 Kunkle St.
Drop Box locations and Drop Box info
In-person voting, ballot drop-off, ballot replacement,
and registration can be conducted at Vote Centers
–OJAI VOTE CENTER OPENS OCT 24–
Ojai United Methodist Church – 120 Church Rd
–OAK VIEW VOTE CENTER OPENS OCT 31–
Oak View Park – 555 Mahoney Ave
The Government Center Elections Division office at 800 S. Victoria Ave will be open for early voting on 10/5
11 Vote Centers open on 10/24
and 42 more will open starting on 10/31.
Vote Centers will be open for
early voting from 9am to 5pm
All V.C. Vote Centers will be open on
Election Day from 7am – 8pm
Vote Center locations and Vote Center info
All California ballots are Vote-By-Mail ballots. They were mailed on October 5. If yours hasn’t arrived within a week, contact the Ventura County Elections Division. Once received, fill yours out and send it back ASAP (mail it by Oct. 27 to be safe) – no postage necessary.
Nervousness surrounding the USPS abounds as mail-in voting gets bashed on the news and dragged through the courts. If you’re unsure, take your ballot to a Drop Box or Vote Center.
The cast of Hamilton’s anthem for democracy:
Check out our Midterms Matter flyer.
OTHER LINKS
We put together a few ACTION ITEMS – feel free to share!
Resources from LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS:
LWV Ballot Recommendations
LWV of Ventura County
LWV of California
LWV CalVotes
Easy Voter Guide
VOTE 411
Hands Off Our Vote is Indivisible’s national program that ensures all eligible voters get to cast their ballot, and that those ballots get counted. Sign up and you’ll get notified of key voting deadlines in your state, get updates on any threats to your voting rights and learn how to counter them, and be ready to mobilize in defense of your vote. Learn more here or Sign up here!
Ground Control has vetted local opportunities: rides to polls, bilingual helplines, poll worker sign-ups, etc.
Learn about the propositions at Ballotpedia.
From CalMatters: one-minute Props in a Minute videos, and a printable voter guide zine in English and Spanish.
Learn about The SAVE Act and Prop 39.
Check out Democracy Docket for election news.
IOV POSTS
- Support Our Hardworking Election Workers
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion walked our August general meeting through how the county counts a ballot, and the security built into every step. - No Kings: What’s Next After October 17? Watch the Recording
Missed the October 21 No Kings mass call? Hear how the movement is preparing to make sure every valid vote is counted, certified and protected. - When We Say No Kings, We Mean No Kings
Meta suspended the No Kings Instagram account in the middle of No Kings Day. Tell Congress to look into it, and keep the early vote push going.