Here’s What Counties Need to Know About the Statewide Special Election
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California is sprinting toward a statewide special election on November 4, 2025, where voters will decide whether to temporarily replace California’s current congressional maps—drawn by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission—with new district boundaries.
Counties have only a few weeks to prepare for this special election. The pressure is real—but so is the commitment. Elections officials and staff are working around the clock to ensure it is fair, safe, and accessible. CSAC is here to support counties with timely updates, advocacy, and resources as this process unfolds.
Read more about the November Special Election and CSAC’s advocacy efforts here.
Funding at the Forefront
A key component of this legislative package is Chapter 97, Statutes of 2025 (SB 280, Cervantes). This bill ensures counties receive funding to cover the actual and necessary costs of running the special election.
Last week, the Department of Finance formally requested that the State Controller’s Office allocate $251.3 million to counties—an amount based on cost estimates submitted by county election officials. Funds are expected to be distributed by the end of September. View the full letter and allocation details here.
Additional Legislative Support
A budget trailer bill—AB/SB 162 (Committee on Budget)—was introduced earlier this week to help counties effectively administer the special election. It includes clarifying provisions, such as aligning certification dates for local elections that weren’t consolidated. This change ensures local agencies that were already holding local elections on November 4, 2025 have the tools they need to effectuate those local elections, as well as the special election, in a timely and effective manner. Read our letter in support of AB/SB 162 here.
Helpful Resources
The Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) is actively supporting county elections officials with guidance and updates. These advisories—known as CCROVs—are posted on the SOS website here. You’ll also find key dates and deadlines and the statewide special elections calendar posted on the SOS website.
Key Dates to Know:
- October 6: Counties begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots and early voting sites open.
- October 7: Ballot drop-off locations open.
- October 20: Last day to register to vote for the statewide special election.
- October 25: Voter’s Choice Act counties open vote centers.
- November 4: Election Day
Counties can sign up for SOS updates here to stay informed.