It’s almost here: California’s Primary Election Day.
And this year, as of May 18, a record total of 23,155,447 Californians are registered to vote, according to the California Secretary of State.
“California’s record voter registration numbers show that our democracy is alive and well, powered by millions of Californians who are excited to take part in shaping both the future and values that strengthen our state,” California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber said in a news release. “Our voters are not only staying engaged, they are stepping forward with purpose.”
With less than a day until Election Day, here’s what California voters who have yet to cast their ballots should know.
What races are on the California primary ballot?
Californians will be asked to vote on the Golden State’s next governor — an outcome that will determine the state’s direction on issues ranging from housing and homelessness to crime, climate change, and the economy.
The state follows a top-two primary system, meaning all candidates are listed on the same ballot. The two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the general election in November.
Other races that will appear on the June primary ballot include:
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.
The webpage will prompt you 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.
If you are registered to vote, the website will direct you to a page with your voter status, which will note your address, which county you are registered to vote in, and party preference. The page also includes a feature where you can search nearby vote centers and ballot drop-off locations.
How to cast a ballot if you missed the voter registration deadline
If it turns out you’re not a registered voter, you 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.
“Voters can complete the ‘Same Day’ or ‘Conditional’ voter registration process all the way through Election Day,” state officials said.
A complete list of California county elections offices, along with their address and contact information, can be found on the California Secretary of State’s website, where you can also enter your address to find a polling place near you.
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. If you plan to mail your ballot on Election Day, state officials advise getting a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
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 opened on May 5. You can search for a drop-off location on the California Secretary of State’s website.
How to vote in person for June primary
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).
Do you need to bring ID to vote in person?
Generally, California voters are not required to show identification at a polling place before voting.
“However, if you are voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail and did not provide your driver license number, California identification number or the last four digits of your social security number on your registration form, you may be asked to show a form of identification when you go to the polls,” according to state officials.
If this is the case, you’ll want to bring identification with you to the polling place. Acceptable forms of identification include “a copy of a recent utility bill, the sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office or another document sent to you by a government agency are examples of acceptable forms of identification,” state officials said, adding that you can also use a passport, driver’s license, state ID or student identification card.
Is it legal to take a ‘ballot selfie?’
“A voter may take a photograph of their ballot (a ‘ballot selfie’) and share it on social media,” according to the California Secretary of State.
California law allows ballot selfies, but election officials can intervene if the photo causes a disruption at a polling place.
Rights voters should know on Election Day
California voters’ rights are protected under the state’s Voter Bill of Rights.
Among the rights protected include being able to cast a ballot at a polling place, even if your name is not on the polling place’s list of registered voters. Election officials will provide you with a provisional ballot, and your vote will be counted if officials determine you are eligible to vote.
If you are in line at a polling place when it closes at 8 p.m., you can still vote.
“It is important that voters understand this right and don’t just walk away from their place in line because it is 8:00 p.m. PT on Election Day,” state officials said. “Additionally, voters have the right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering them or telling them how to vote.”
If you have questions at the polls, you have the right to ask election officials about election procedures.
“(Voters) also have the right to get help casting their ballot if needed,” officials said.
You also have the right to ask for elections materials in a different language than English if enough people in your precinct speak that language.
Can you get time off from work to vote?
California workers are allowed up to two hours off from work without loss of pay to vote if they don’t have enough time outside of work to do so.
However, law requires workers to have notified employers two working days before the election should they need to take the time.
What if you make a mistake on your ballot?
If you make a mistake on your ballot, but have not cast it, you can:
What if signature does not match?
With each ballot, election officials verify that the signature on a voter’s 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. As of May 29, more than 5.4 million California voters had signed up to track their ballot, according to the California Secretary of State.
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.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What California voters should know about casting June primary ballots
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
