California Statewide General Election
This is the regular scheduled major statewide election that happens every two years (even numbered years).
- It always happens the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even numbered years.
- Next one: November 3, 2026
This is when governor, all major statewide offices, congress, legislature, and statewide propositions are voted on.
California Special Election
A Special Election is not on a regular fixed calendar.
It only happens when needed.
Examples:
- A vacancy (death, resignation) in Congress, Legislature, statewide office
- A single measure or bond needs a vote outside normal schedule
- A county or jurisdiction calls one for a specific emergency issue or legal requirement
There is no automatic yearly date for a special election.
The date is scheduled by law depending on what triggered the special election. There may be multiple special elections in one year or none.
Summary
| Election Type | What it is | Date |
|---|---|---|
| California Statewide General Election | Regular statewide election every even year | Next: November 3, 2026 |
| California Special Election | Only called if needed for a specific issue or vacancy | No preset date. Occurs when required. |
So they are not the same. The General Election is mandatory and scheduled. Special Elections are optional and triggered by specific circumstances.