(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Santa Barbara County Elections Office encourages voters to complete and return their Vote-by-Mail ballots as soon as possible. Official ballot drop boxes are available throughout the County, providing a convenient way to return ballots without relying on mail delivery.
All registered voters in California were mailed an official Vote-by-Mail ballot in early October. Voters who have not yet returned their ballot are encouraged to do so today.
Returning Your Ballot Is Easy
Before returning your ballot, remember to:
- Complete your ballot by marking your selections.
- Seal your ballot inside the provided return envelope.
- Sign the return envelope. Your signature is required and will be compared with the signature on file with your voter registration record to verify your ballot.
Once your ballot is ready, you have several options for returning it:
- Use an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes are located throughout the County and are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Using a drop box eliminates concerns about postal delivery timing or obtaining a timely postmark. Find locations at SBCVote.com.
- Return your ballot by mail. No postage is required. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3. It is recommended to mail your ballot at least 7 days before election day.
- Return your ballot in person. Voters may deliver their completed ballots to either County Elections Office or to a polling place on Election Day.
See What Happens to Your Ballot After You Return It
Ever wonder what happens to your ballot after it reaches the Elections Office? Watch our behind-the-scenes video to follow the journey of a ballot as Elections staff receive it, verify the voter’s signature and prepare it for counting.
Watch the video: Your County, Your Services: Behind the Scenes of Ballot Processing in Santa Barbara County
The video offers a closer look at the procedures and safeguards used to process ballots and help ensure every eligible vote is handled securely.
Voters may also vote in person at a polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polling places and both County Elections Offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The County Elections Offices are located at:
- Santa Barbara Elections Main Office: 4440-A Calle Real, Santa Barbara. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Santa Maria Elections Branch Office: 511 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 134, Santa Maria. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Both offices will also be open Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit SBCVote.com to find ballot drop boxes, locate polling places and access additional election information. Voters can also call the Santa Barbara County Elections Office at 800-722-8683.
Return your ballot today. Don’t Delay, Vote Today!