Upcoming Elections

2008 Presidential Election:

The United States presidential election of 2008, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2008, will be the 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election and will select the President of the United States and Vice President of the United States.

The election will coincide with the 2008 Senate elections in thirty-five states, House of Representatives elections in all states, and gubernatorial elections in eleven states, as well as various state referendums and local elections.

Senate Election:

California Senators are in Class II, and consequently are elected in 2010. (Note: To learn mor about the Classes of Seantors, please Click Here)

The current composition of the Senate, going into the 2008 election, consists of 49 Republicans, 49 Democrats, and two independents (Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who both caucus with Democrats). Of the seats up for election in 2008, 23 are held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats.

There may be changes to the list of incumbents below if senators die or resign. The date of a death or resignation determines if there will be a special election in 2008, and the rules vary from state to state.

2008 Congressional Election:

The 2008 U.S. House of Representatives elections will be held on November 4, 2008, to elect members to the United States House of Representatives. All 435 seats will be up for election. Those elected will serve in the 111th United States Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011. Democrats, who won a majority in the 2006 elections hope to retain or expand their control of Congress. Republicans hope to regain the majority it lost in the 2006 elections or at least add to their numbers. Turnout likely will be increased due to the 2008 presidential election.

Local California Elections:

The number of elections in California varies by year. California has a gubernatorial election every four years and, in 2003, it had a recall election. Primary elections were held in March or June until 2008, when they were held in February. General elections, which cover state-wide issues, are held in November. On a county-by-county basis, elections also cover municipal issues. In addition, a special election can occur at any time.

Fort more information on your local county or city elections please contact the offices of your local Officials or County Offices.

Classes of US Senators:

Class I consists of:

• the 33 current Senators whose seats have been submitted to re-election in November 2012, and whose terms end in January 2013; and
• earlier Senators with terms ending in 2007, 2001, 1995, 1989, 1983, 1977, 1971, 1965, 1959, and back to 1791; and
• Current States with a Class I Senator: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Class II consists of

• the 33 current Senators whose seats are scheduled for re-election in November 2008, and whose terms end in January 2009; and
• earlier Senators with terms that ended in 2003, 1997, 1991, 1985, 1979, 1973, 1967, 1961, and back to 1793; and
• Current States with a Class II Senator: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Class III consists of

• the 34 current Senators whose seats are scheduled for re-election in November 2010, and whose terms end in January 2011; and
• earlier Senators with terms that ended in 2005, 1999, 1993, 1987, 1981, 1975, 1969, 1963, and back to 1795; and
• Current States with a Class III Senator: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.