California Counties Have Adopted Voter's Choice Act

Thirty counties now utilize a consolidated model designed to improve election accessibility for state residents.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a sturdy, modern ballot collection box centered on a solid background, symbolizing electoral access. — Thirty California counties have transitioned to the Voter's Choice Act, a centralized election model that provides voters with flexible ballot drop box locations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer having the flexibility to vote at any regional center in your county?

Thirty California counties have transitioned to the Voter's Choice Act model, which replaces traditional precinct-based polling with centralized vote centers. This system now covers roughly 78% of the state's 23 million registered voters.

Why it matters

The model aims to boost participation among underserved groups, including language minorities, seniors, and the disabled, by providing flexible voting options. Evidence suggests it has successfully increased turnout among Latino voters by up to 2.5%.

Thirty California counties currently use this model, representing 78% of the state's 23 million registered voters. The system allows vote centers to open on a rolling basis beginning 10 days before Election Day.

The players

Napa County

This jurisdiction spent about $100,000 in startup costs to implement the voting model.

Santa Cruz County

This county recently implemented a 15% budget reduction for the current fiscal year.

Voting Rights Project

This organization plans to conduct future studies on how specific dates of casting ballots influence overall voting habits.

The details

Counties under the Voter's Choice Act consolidate voting into a smaller number of accessible centers and offer more ballot drop box locations. While mail-in ballots remain the most popular choice, such as in Napa County where 90% of voters use them, vote centers accommodated 9% of ballots in the 2025 special election.

California lawmakers passed the Voter's Choice Act in 2016.
The state began sending mail ballots to all registered voters in 2020.
Turnout trends for Black and Latino voters were measured in 2022.
A statewide special election occurred in 2025.
The nationwide midterm election occurs in November 2026.

Political Context

Critics often raise concerns regarding the consolidation of precinct-based polling stations, arguing it may decrease localized accessibility. Opponents have frequently questioned whether the centralized model sufficiently serves rural areas compared to densely populated urban centers.

Registered voters in participating counties can expect to see consolidated vote centers instead of traditional local precincts. Residents should verify their nearest location, as these centers provide services on a rolling basis 10 days before Election Day.

The takeaway

The transition to centralized voting models highlights a shift toward prioritizing early and mail-in access over traditional polling day logistics. Voters are encouraged to check their county election website to understand local drop-box availability and specific early voting timelines.