Santa Barbara Voters Receive Mail-In Ballots for November 4 Special Election

Registered voters in California began receiving mail-in ballots in October for the statewide special election scheduled for November 4, 2025.

The County Elections Office began mailing vote-by-mail ballots on October 6, 2025, the City of Santa Barbara stated on its website. The last day to register to vote is October 20, 2025.

According to the California Secretary of State’s website:

• Ballot drop-off locations open on October 7, 2025
• Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or at the county elections office
• Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning October 25, 2025
• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 12, 2025

Returning Ballots

Mail: No postage is required. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, November 4, 2025. The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing ballots early to ensure timely delivery.

Drop Boxes: Beginning October 6, secure drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day. A list of official drop box locations is included with each voter’s mailed ballot.

Polling Places: Voters can also return their ballots in person at their assigned polling place on Election Day.

Check your mail!
All registered CA voters will get a mail-in ballot in early October for the Nov. 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election.
Sign your envelope—ballots without a matching signature won’t count.
Need help? Call 800-722-8683 or visit https://t.co/j0VaIWKTMY. pic.twitter.com/jVpTrYhuxr

— Santa Barbara County (@countyofsb) October 6, 2025

Edhat reported on October 1, 2025, that registered voters in Santa Barbara County began receiving their official Voter Information Guides by mail.

The State Voter Information Guide provides analyses of statewide ballot measures, including potential taxpayer costs from the Legislative Analyst’s Office. It also presents arguments for and against each measure, along with full texts and summaries prepared by the Attorney General or Legislature.

California will hold a statewide special election on November 4, 2025, which is an unusual election outside the state’s regular cycle. The poll will address Proposition 50.

The measure is part of a larger national redistricting fight that began when the Trump administration urged Texas lawmakers to change congressional maps.

California, the most populous state, has Democrats in 43 of its 52 congressional seats. Democrats also control the State Legislature.

However, unlike Republicans in Texas, California Democrats cannot unilaterally redraw congressional maps, as voters in 2010 transferred that authority to an independent redistricting commission composed equally of Democrats and Republicans. The measure will need to be approved by voters to move forward.

Another difference between Proposition 50 and the actions being taken in Texas, is this is a temporary redistricting with the maps expiring in 2030 and reverting back to the independent commission.

If approved, Proposition 50 would allow the redrawing of congressional maps that would pull more Democrats into five GOP-held House districts,  potentially leaving as few as four Republicans in California’s 52-member congressional delegation, reports CalMatters.