Vista residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to select their next mayor and fill city council positions representing Districts 1 and 4. The municipal election will take place alongside California's statewide general election, as is customary during even-numbered years.
California residents who are United States citizens and have reached age 18 can register through the San Diego County Registrar of Voters website or via the Secretary of State's office. Those wishing to participate must complete registration by October 19, though conditional registration options will remain available past that date directly through the county registrar.
The city will operate two voting locations for early and Election Day balloting. The Morris B. Vance Community Room on Civic Center Drive will open October 24 and remain available through Election Day, while the Gloria McClellan Senior Center on Vale Terrace Drive will operate from October 31 through November 3. Additional voting centers and ballot drop sites throughout the county can be found on the registrar's website.
Vista will also provide ballot drop boxes at two local sites beginning October 4. The Vista Library on Eucalyptus Avenue will accept ballots during regular operating hours, extending to 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Frazier Farms on Vista Village Drive will maintain a 24-hour drop box that closes at 8 p.m. on November 3.
Ballots delivered in person must arrive before polls close on Election Day. Those sent through the mail need a postmark dated no later than November 3 and must reach the county registrar's office by November 10 to be counted.