This year is critical in protecting both our national democracy and California’s future. With federal efforts to limit access to voting, now, more than ever is the time to vote.
California’s primary, which will be held on June 2, 2026, is your opportunity to decide who will be on the ballot in November. There may be numerous people running in the primary for a particular seat, and when you cast your vote, you are helping to ensure that someone you’d really like to vote for will be a candidate in November. So, make sure you’re prepared to vote in the primary.
Below we offer some dates to consider and basic voting information. You’ll find even more information on the California Secretary of State website.
In order to receive a ballot in the mail for the June 2nd primary, you must register by May 18, 2026.
- You can register to vote online here or by picking up a registration form at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, or U.S. post office. You can either mail it in or hand it in personally at your county elections office.
- Voters must be 18 years of age on election day. However, 16 and 17 year olds can pre-register here, and they will then be automatically registered on their 18th birthday. This is a good idea for people turning 18 on or before an upcoming election day.
- If you miss the May 18th deadline, you can still register up to or on the day of the election, but your ballot will be given to you in person and considered “conditional.” That means that it may take a while for your status to be checked and your vote counted. Find more details on same-day registration here.
You can vote by mailing in your ballot, dropping it off at a secure ballot drop-off location, visiting your county elections office, or in person at a polling site.
- Ballots will start being mailed to registered voters on May 4, 2026, and secure ballot drop off locations will open on May 5th. (Remember, if you aren't registered yet, you may have to visit your elections office for a ballot or go in person to a polling site, since you will not automatically receive the ballot in the mail.)
- All in-person early voting locations throughout California will be open on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Some counties may open early voting before this date.
- Polls will be open on June 2 from 7 am to 8 pm. In-person voting ends at 8 pm.
- All mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2, 2026, at 8 pm. If you are mailing your ballot on the day of the primary, make sure you have it hand-stamped at the post office with the time before 8 pm.
For more information about your voting options, such as voting materials in other languages, specific remote technology needs, or accommodations for people with disabilities, visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections or call the Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-6814.
Remember, your voice matters. Be a Clean Water Voter!
Last updated April 2026.
