How to quickly get a replacement ballot in California if yours is lost, damaged or never arrived before the November 3 midterm election

Receiving a ballot on time is a significant part of voting by mail. For registered voters participating in the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election, replacement ballots are available in many situations, that includes when a ballot does not arrive, contains a mistake or requires to be sent to a temporary address.

Ballots Mailed to Registered Voters

Ballots have been mailed to all registered voters for the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election.


Voters who have not obtained their ballot by October 12 can request a replacement ballot. Those who require their ballot delivered to a different temporary address for this election can also complete the designated request form.

When Can You Get a Replacement Ballot?

A voter may request a replacement ballot if a mistake is made on the original ballot in an election.

Replacement ballots are a standard part of the Vote by Mail process. Voters may get more than one ballot if they re-register, update their voter registration or request a replacement ballot from the elections office.

However, only the initial ballot received by the office will be counted. This ensures that a voter cannot cast more than one vote.

Also Read: US midterm elections 2026: How to get your ballot by mail automatically in Arizona using the active early voting list, and the deadline you cannot afford to miss

October 27 Is the Mail Request Deadline

For the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election, Tuesday, October 27, is the final day registered voters can request that a replacement Vote by Mail ballot be delivered by mail.

The deadline is intended to offer sufficient time for the ballot to be delivered via postal system.

Voters who are required to request a replacement ballot after October 27 should visit a Vote Center in San Mateo County.

Requesting a Replacement Ballot by Mail

Voters who do not need to use the online request form can complete and sign the Replacement Ballot application.

The completed application can be returned to the elections office via email, fax or mail.

Email: registrar@smcacre.gov
Fax: (650) 312-5348
Mail: 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402

Having a Representative Pick Up Your Ballot

Voters who want someone else to collect a replacement ballot on their behalf have another option.

They must complete and sign the Application to Provide Vote-by-Mail Ballot to Representative. The designated representative must then go to the Elections Office or a Vote Center to get the replacement ballot.

What Voters Should Know

Replacement ballots are part of the normal Vote by Mail process, and voters may get another ballot in specific circumstances. The supplied election details states that only the first ballot received by the elections office will be counted.

For voters who have not obtained their ballot by October 12, a replacement can be requested. Those who are looking for delivery by mail must make their request by October 27; after that date, they should go to a San Mateo County Vote Center to request a replacement ballot.