Your vote gives Sierra County a voice. Find the information you need to register, return your ballot, and make sure it counts.
Looking for candidate and proposition guidance? See the 2026 Voting Guide
Mailing Your Ballot? Send It by October 27
The California Secretary of State recommends mailing your completed ballot by Tuesday, October 27—at least seven days before Election Day. Mail earlier if you can.
October 27 is the recommended mailing date, not the final deadline to vote. After October 27, you can still return your ballot at an official drop box during its posted hours, deliver it to the County Elections Office, or take it inside a U.S. Post Office and request a manual postmark.
Read the Secretary of State’s ballot-return guidance.
Register or Check Your Registration
- Register to vote or update your registration
- Check your voter registration status
- Track your mail ballot
Moved, changed your name, or want to change your party preference? Review and update your registration.
Ages 16–17: You can preregister to vote. Your registration becomes active when you turn 18.
November 3, 2026 General Election
Sierra County conducts an all-mail election with no designated polling places. You can return your ballot by mail or at an official drop box. In-person voting and assistance are available at the County Elections Office.
Important Dates
| Date | What You Need to Know |
| Oct 5 | County elections officials began mailing ballots. |
| Oct 19 | Deadline for regular voter registration. |
| Oct 27 | Secretary of State’s recommended date to mail your completed ballot. |
| Nov 3 | Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by this date. Hand-delivered ballots must arrive before the location’s deadline. |
| Nov 10 | Last day for the county to receive mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day. |
Missed the Registration Deadline?
You can still register and vote through California’s conditional voter registration process. Contact the Sierra County Elections Office for assistance through Election Day.
Learn about same-day voter registration.
Return Your Ballot
Follow the instructions included with your ballot. Place your completed ballot in its official return envelope, sign and date the envelope, and seal it.
Return by Mail
Mail by October 27, as recommended by the Secretary of State.
Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by the county no later than November 10.
Rural mail may travel to a regional processing center before receiving a postmark. Placing your ballot in a mailbox on Election Day does not guarantee an Election Day postmark.
If mailing after October 27, take your ballot inside a U.S. Post Office and ask a postal employee for a manual postmark. You can also use one of the official ballot-return locations below.
Return at an Official Drop Box
The eastern Sierra County drop box has moved from Loyalton City Hall to Sierraville School.
| Location | Regular Hours | Election Day, November 3 |
| Sierraville School — 305 South Lincoln Street, Sierraville | October 5–November 2: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding holidays | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Downieville Courthouse — 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville | Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; also Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
Note the different closing times: Sierraville closes at 7 p.m. on Election Day; Downieville closes at 8 p.m.
Check current drop-box information with Sierra County.
Visit the County Elections Office
100 Courthouse Square, Room 11, Downieville
- Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Election Day, November 3: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
The office can help you register or update your registration, return your ballot, vote in person, and use accessible voting equipment.
Track Your Ballot
Sign up for Where’s My Ballot? to receive updates about your mail ballot.
If your ballot has not arrived, is lost or damaged, or you receive a notice about your signature, contact the County Elections Office promptly.
Accessible Voting and Language Assistance
Sierra County offers accessible ballot-marking equipment, curbside assistance, and Remote Accessible Vote by Mail.
Spanish voter information is available through the county. Contact the Elections Office for language assistance or to request a Spanish facsimile ballot.
Need Help?
Sierra County Elections Office
530-289-3295
100 Courthouse Square, Room 11
Downieville, CA 95936
Visit the county’s election information page.
Make an Informed Choice
Read the 2026 candidate and proposition recommendations.
Mail by October 27. If returning your ballot in person, check your location’s hours and return it by November 3. Make your voice count.