This year's California ballot is long: 14 statewide propositions, five placed by the Legislature and nine by initiative, the most since November 2016, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Some Bay Area voters are dealing with it the social way, at ballot parties.

A 20-year tradition in Monterey Heights

Lauren Schwartz, 61, has hosted ballot parties at her Monterey Heights home for more than 20 years, KQED reported. About 11 guests came in mid-October to eat chili and talk through the San Francisco and state measures, including the regional transit tax and Prop G on the Great Highway.

Her group is one of nearly 7,000 voting groups on Sway, a public benefit corporation formed in February 2025 that encourages people to vote with friends. More than 2,700 people applied to host, and just over 250 reached the 25-member mark to earn a $500 gift card, according to CEO Claire Shorall. Schwartz's “SF Proposition Party” has 26 members.

An Oakland church gathering

At New Life Community Church in Oakland, organizer Tiffany Cowan drew more than 60 people to a ballot party a week before the election, where attendees discussed measures including Prop 40, KQED reported.

Why it might help turnout

Josh Clark of UC Berkeley's Othering & Belonging Institute told KQED that midterm turnout lags far behind presidential years. Turnout was just under 42% in the 2022 midterm, compared with nearly 60% in 2024.

The long ballot is a common complaint. In PPIC's September survey, 37% of likely voters strongly agreed and 40% somewhat agreed that there are too many propositions on the ballot. Likely voters ages 18 to 34 were the exception, with just 16% strongly agreeing.

Hosting your own

There's still time for a last-minute gathering. You can bring your completed ballot to any drop box or vote center by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Remember that ballots are secret, so no one else can mark yours for you.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.