California’s June primary is quickly approaching.
The primary will call on voters to choose a candidate to face off in the 2026 California gubernatorial election, this race has in recent weeks been hit by a number of political shakeups.
With just over six weeks until Election Day, here’s what Californians should know, including how to register to vote, how to vote, and how to track a ballot.
How to check if you’re registered to vote in June primary
To check if you are a registered voter, you can do so online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
You will be prompted to enter personal information, such as your name and birthdate, as well as your driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
How to register to vote in June primary
To register to vote, you can do so online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
“You can also pick up an application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices,” according to the state’s website. “To have a paper application mailed to you, call your county elections office or the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).”
When is the last day to register for the June primary?
The last day to register to vote for the June primary election in California is Monday, May 18.
Options if voters miss June primary registration deadline
Voters who miss the deadline to register to vote can opt for same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration.
Voters who need to register, or re-register, within 14 days of an election can do so at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center, according to the California Secretary of State. These ballots will be processed and counted after the county elections office has completed the voter registration process.
If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you can use the state’s polling place lookup tool to find your polling location.
Will all voters receive a mail-in ballot for June primary?
Yes. All registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the June primary election.
If you don’t receive your ballot, you should contact your county elections office.
How to return a ballot for June primary
Once you have filled out your ballot, you can return it via mail, drop box, or in person at a dedicated voting center.
If you are casting your vote by mail, it must be postmarked on or before June 2 and received by your county elections office no later than June 10.
You can return your ballot in person at your county elections office or at any polling or ballot drop-off location by 8 p.m. on June 2. Ballot drop-off locations will open on May 5.
How to vote during early voting for June primary
Under the California Voters’ Choice Act, 30 counties in California — including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, and Santa Clara — offer expanded early in-person voting at vote centers for up to 10 days before Election Day. Voting at these centers will open on Saturday, May 23.
Early voting at other locations throughout California will open Saturday, May 30.
To find an early voting center near you, you can check the California Secretary of State’s website.
How to vote in person for June primary on Election Day
To vote in person on Election Day, you can do so at your designated polling place on June 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Your polling place will be included on your Voter Information Guide mailed to you by your county elections official. You can also find your polling place on the California Secretary of State’s website or by calling: (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
What if a mistake is made on June primary ballot?
If you make a mistake on your ballot, but have not cast it, you can:
What if signature on ballot does not match records?
With each ballot, election officials verify that the signature on a voter’s voter registration card matches the signature on the ballot.
Should election officials find a signature is missing or does not match, you will be notified and given a deadline to fix the signature.
How to track your June primary ballot
You can track the status of your ballot using the state’s Where’s My Ballot tracking tool.
The tool allows you to track when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. It also allows you to sign up for automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot’s status.
Key dates for June primary
Some key dates for the June primary include:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California June primary 2026 what to know about voting and ballots
Reporting by Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
