California’s November 2026 ballot features 14 statewide propositions, including a controversial billionaire tax and public financing for campaigns, with explainers for tax and bond measures and detailed analyses for propositions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45.

Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaire net worth to fund healthcare programs, while Propositions 41 and 42 would defeat Prop. 40 if approved.

In Los Angeles, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces challenger Nithya Raman, with notes on debate dynamics and past alignment.

Voters are advised to vote early or by mail, with clear deadlines for postmarks and receipts, ballot tracking, and the path from vote counting to certification.

Proposition 5 would reform recall elections by removing the replacement vote and holding a separate election to choose a replacement, drawing Democratic support and Republican opposition.

Statewide races include the Insurance Commissioner contest between Democrats Ben Allen and Jane Kim, discussing wildfire risk, disaster insurance, and auto insurance, with notes on campaign spending.

Los Angeles drop-box locations opened in early October and can be found via the LA County locator tool.

Proposition 39 would require proof of citizenship at the polls beyond registration, with Republicans framing it as fraud prevention and Democrats warning of new barriers for immigrants and low-income voters.

LA County items include the sheriff’s race, Measure A and Measure E charter amendments, and four runoff Superior Court judge seats (64, 65, 87, 131).

CalMatters contextualizes election administration debates, including challenges to mail-in voting and related ballot-handling lawsuits.

The article serves as a practical voter guide with links to candidate and measure details for deeper reading.

Midterm congressional races are outlined across districts CD 4, 7, 11, 13, 22, and 48, with incumbents and challengers identified.