California is holding its Primary Election on June 7, and with voting season upon us once more, it can be daunting to understand the “who, what, where, when and how” to vote. KPBS is here to help answer your questions.
What is the primary election about and what's on the ballot?
The Primary Election is an opportunity for registered California voters to choose a candidate for many statewide races including Governor as well as local races such as San Diego County Sheriff and multiple city council races in the city of San Diego and Chula Vista. Additionally, the city of Carlsbad will vote on one measure regarding its City Clerk.
For the full list of races and candidates you will find in your ballot visit KPBS' interactive guide.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote or check your registration status online on the California Online Voter Registration page. May 23 is the last day to register to vote, but if voters miss this deadline they can still register and vote in person at any vote center location.
➡ To register online you will need the following:
- Your state driver's license or identification card number
- The last four digits of your social security number
- Your date of birth
How can I vote by mail?
All active registered voters will begin to receive vote-by-mail ballots on May 9.
➡ 'Inactive' registered voters
Voters will be given an inactive status when a "county elections official receives information (for example, from the post office) indicating the voter has moved out of state or mail is returned undeliverable without a forwarding address."
You can submit your ballot by:
- Mailing your ballot to a county elections official.
- Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than 7 days after Election Day.
- If you are not sure your vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time, bring it to any Voter Center or ballot drop-off location between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
- Vote-by-mail ballots that are personally delivered must be delivered no later than the close of polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
- Dropping your ballot off at a drop-off location or into a ballot drop box in the county.
- Vote-by-mail ballots that are personally delivered to a ballot drop-off location must be delivered no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
- Authorizing someone to return the ballot on your behalf.
- Anyone may return your ballot for you, as long as they do not get paid on a per ballot basis. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must fill out the authorization section found on the outside of your ballot envelope.
Use the map below to find your ballot drop-off location:
What if I want to vote in person?
Vote centers open San Diego County on May 28 to all registered voters. Upon arrival, locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance to those who need it.
Use the map below to find your vote center location:
