Your Voice Shapes Oakland's Schools
Three seats on the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Education are on the ballot this November: Districts 2, 4, and 6. The people you elect will guide educational policy for every OUSD student and most charter school students in Oakland.
On the Ballot
Your District, Your Choice
The Oakland Unified School District Board of Education has seven trustees, each representing a geographic area of Oakland. This November, three seats are up for election.
Not sure which area you live in? Use the Alameda County Voter Profile to look up your district.
You can also verify your district on the City of Oakland’s website.
Covers Downtown Oakland, Chinatown, San Antonio, Cleveland Heights, and Grand Lake.
Covers Glenview, Dimond, Laurel, Redwood Heights, and Oakmore.
Covers Elmhurst, Sobrante Park, and surrounding deep East Oakland neighborhoods.
Why It Matters
The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Education shapes the educational experience of all kids in public schools in our city.
District-Wide Educational Oversight
The OUSD Board sets policy and provides leadership for all public schools in the district. This includes curriculum decisions, budget priorities, and support services for students with special needs.
Four-Year Impact
Board members serve four-year terms. The leaders elected in November 2026 will make decisions affecting school budgets, programs, and student support services for years to come.
Supporting Every Learner
The Board works with the Superintendent of Schools to prioritize services for all students. This includes those experiencing homelessness, foster youth, students with disabilities, and English language learners.
Your Vote Counts More Than You Think
Local elections are decided by small margins. In past OUSD races, a few hundred votes determined the outcome. Your single vote in Oakland carries real, measurable weight. Don’t leave it on the table.
Key Dates
Mark Your Calendar
Don’t miss these critical windows. Every deadline matters when it comes to making sure your vote counts.
Now - October 19, 2026
Register to Vote
Make sure you’re registered at your current address. Registration closes 15 days before Election Day. You can also use California’s same-day conditional registration at the Registrar’s office if you miss this deadline.
October 5, 2026
Vote-by-Mail Ballots Begin Arriving
All registered voters in California receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot automatically. Yours will arrive around October 5. You can return it by mail (no postage needed), at any 24-hour drop box, or in person on Election Day.
October 24, 2026
Early In-Person Voting Opens
Ten-day vote centers open at certain locations across Alameda County, 9 AM – 5 PM daily. This is a great option if you want to avoid lines on Election Day.
October 31, 2026
Additional Vote Centers Open
More voting centers are now open across the county through Election Day, including locations across Oakland.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Election Day
All voting centers are open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. If you’re in line by 8 PM, you have the right to vote. Return your mail ballot at any drop box by 8 PM tonight. This is the day!
California makes it easy! Choose the method that works best for you because every valid ballot counts equally, no matter how it’s cast.
1. Vote by Mail
- Your ballot arrives automatically around October 5
- Fill it out at home on your own time
- Mail it back as there is no postage stamp needed
- Must be postmarked by November 3, 2026
2. Vote by Drop Box
- 24-hour drop boxes open county-wide starting October 5
- Drop your sealed ballot anytime, day or night
- No waiting in line
- *Drop boxes close at 8:00 PM on November 3
3. Vote In-Person
- Early voting October 24 – November 2 at certain locations
- Election Day November 3: all centers are open
- You can return your mail ballot at any vote center
- Same-day registration available at the Registrar's office
- Accessible voting options available at all locations
First-Time or Young Voters
- Oakland 16 & 17-year-olds can pre-register and vote in school board races
- Pre-registered youth automatically receive a mail ballot
- Registration automatically activates at age 18
- Missed the deadline? Same-day conditional registration is available at the Registrar's office
Official Resources
Everything You Need to Vote
All the official links, in one place. These are your trusted sources for registration, voter information, and finding where to vote.
Register
Register to Vote in California
Official California state voter registration. Register online in minutes. Also update your address or party if you’ve moved or changed your mind.
Voter Profile
Check Your Alameda County Voter Profile
Look up your polling place, download a sample ballot, check the status of your mail ballot, and see which districts you’re eligible to vote in.
Vote Centers & Drop Boxes
Find Oakland Voting Locations
Locate all the voting centers and 24-hour drop boxes across Alameda County. Filter by accessibility features and get directions.
Learn More
Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
Read about the current Board members, their roles, the districts they represent, and how the OUSD Board shapes educational leadership.