As the 2022 General Election approaches, planning how you will vote is an important step in making sure your vote counts.
Each state has different rules and the electoral landscape has changed significantly since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic upended the world.
So far, 32 states have implemented major rule changes. For example, you need identification to vote on Election Day in 33 states. In 12 states, you need a notary or a witness to vote by mail. Additionally, eight states have excluded COVID-19 as a reason to vote by mail.
With so many variables to consider, the 2022 Plan Your Vote tool by NBC News is here to help.
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The purpose of Plan Your Vote is to help voters plan their vote in time for their ballots to count by presenting useful fact-based information. The tool allows people to review their states' voting rules, such as if there is early voting, voting by mail and identification requirements.
Get the voting information you need with the NBC News Plan Your Vote tool. Visit NBCNews.com/PlanYourVote
What to know about California's elections
Politics
This year, California voters will decide our next governor, secretary of state, treasurer and several other key positions as well as vote on a handful of ballot measures, both at the state and local level.
Voters were first asked to narrow down the field of candidates in the 2022 primary election on June 7. Now, candidates are getting ready for the 2022 general election on Nov. 8.
Use the Plan Your Vote tool to find important deadlines and information for both the primary and general elections, including the last day to register to vote and how to vote early and what rules have changed since the 2020 general election.
Important Dates for San Diego County Voters
Sept 20: National Voter Registration Day
Oct. 8: Ballots begin to go out to registered voters
Oct. 10: Early voting begins at the San Diego County Registrar's Office
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 10: Ballot drop box locations open through Nov. 8
Oct. 24: Voter registration deadline (You can still register to vote and vote in the 2022 election by using a conditional voter ballot up until Election Day)
Oct. 29: Select Vote Centers open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 8
Nov. 5: All Vote Centers open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 8
Nov. 8: Election Day! All Vote Centers and ballot drop-off boxes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 8: Election is certified
What races will be on the California General Election ballot?
Governor: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is running for re-election in November. He will be running against republican candidate Brian Dahle.
U.S. Senate: Sen. Alex Padilla, who won a special election to fill the rest of Kamala Harris' Senate term, will look to hold onto his seat in November. He will be running against republican Mark P. Meuser.
U.S. House: Each of California's 52 House districts will be on the ballot in November. For an unofficial look at candidates throwing their hat in the race, so far, click here.
Other State Executive Offices: Voters will also be asked to select the next lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, controller, superintendent of public instruction, four state board of equalization members (based on districts), and an insurance commissioner.
State Legislature: Depending on where in California you live, you may also be asked to vote for a member of the State Assembly or State Senate. Check your county's local ballot listings to see if your representatives' seats are up for election in 2022.
What San Diego County races will be on the General Election ballot?
On top of electing congressional and state representatives, San Diego County residents in some districts will choose who they want to represent them on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, on school district boards and as Superior Court judges.
The 2022 General Election will also have a race for district attorney but current DA Summer Stephan is running unopposed.
Following San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore's retirement, a new sheriff will also need to be elected. The field of candidates was narrowed down during the primary election to prosecutor John Hemmerling and Undersheriff Kelly Anne Martinez.
Treasurer-tax collector is also on the ballot with current tax collector Dan McAllister running for re-ection. Greg Hodosevich is running against him.
Voters will also select the next assessor/recorder/clerk.
Cities may also have their own items and offices on the ballot, so depending on where you live, you may have even more to vote on. The cities of Chula Vista, Carlsbad and El Cajon have mayoral races on the ballot and several municipalities will have city council races on the ballot, among much more.
Check the San Diego Registrar of Voters website for more info on local elections.
Which initiatives will California voters determine?
California voters will be asked to make decisions about 7 ballot measures. Ready the full initiatives here.
Proposition 1: Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom. Legislative Constitutional Amendment
Proposition 26: Allows In-Person Roulette, Dice Games, Sports Wagering on Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute
Proposition 27: Allows Online and Mobile Sports Wagering Outside Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute
Proposition 28: Provides Additional Funding for Arts and Music Education in Public Schools. Initiative Statute
Proposition 29: Requires On-Site Licensed Medical Professional at Kidney Dialysis Clinics and Establishes Other State Requirements. Initiative Statute
Proposition 30: Provides Funding for Programs to Reduce Air Pollution and Prevent Wildfires by Increasing Tax on Personal Income Over $2 Million. Initiative Statute
Proposition 31: Referendum On 2020 Law That Would Prohibit the Retail Sale of Certain Flavored Tobacco Products
Local municipalities may also have their own initiatives on the ballot. Check your local government website for information.
