How to get a replacement mail ballot for the US midterm elections if yours is lost, damaged or never arrives

As the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections approach, voters who have not received their mail ballots or have lost or damaged their original ballots may be required to request replacements. Election officials offer options for eligible voters to seek a replacement ballot.

The procedures, deadlines and contact details differ by jurisdiction. Voters should verify the instructions provided by their local election office to find how to request a replacement and ensure they meet the applicable deadline.

How to request a replacement mail ballot

For the November 3, 2026, Gubernatorial General Election in San Diego County, California, the deadline to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot is October 27, 2026, before 5 p.m.


Voters who have not obtained their ballot or have lost or destroyed the original can request a replacement through:

1. Request a replacement ballot online

Voters can submit an online request via the San Diego County Registrar of Voters' replacement ballot request page.

2. Submit a replacement ballot application

Voters can download and complete the Printable Replacement Ballot Application. The application must have the voter's signature.

The completed application can be returned to the Registrar of Voters through any of these methods:

• Email: vbmreplacement@sdcounty.ca.gov
• Fax: (858) 505-7294
• In person: Visit the Registrar of Voters office, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mail: Registrar of Voters, P.O. Box 85520, San Diego, CA 92186-5520

3. Contact the Registrar of Voters by phone

Voters can also request assistance by calling the San Diego County Registrar of Voters at (858) 565-5800 or the toll-free number (800) 696-0136.

What if you will be away from home during the election?

In jurisdictions that conduct elections entirely by mail, eligible registered voters automatically get their ballots by mail. Local jurisdictions are authorized by law to exercise their statutory right to conduct elections entirely by mail.

Voters who will be away from home during an election can make a one-time ballot request to have their ballot sent to a temporary mailing address.

In Maricopa County, Arizona, voters can request a ballot at a temporary address by emailing VoterInfo@Maricopa.Gov or calling 602-506-1511.

Voters who need this service can contact the county through its designated email address or telephone number to request a one-time ballot.

Also Read: Texas early voting for the 2026 US midterm elections runs October 19 to October 30, and many counties offer weekend hours, so check your county now

Key deadline to remember

For voters seeking a replacement vote-by-mail ballot in San Diego County for the November 3, 2026, Gubernatorial General Election, the request deadline is October 27, 2026, before 5 p.m.

Those who have not obtained their ballot, or whose original ballot has been lost or destroyed, can use the county's online request system, submit a signed application, or contact the Registrar of Voters by phone.

Voters planning to vote in person can also consult the county's vote center details for locations and operating hours.

Source: Maricopa County Elections Department and San Diego County Registrar of Voters