2026 California Primary Election
2026 California Primary Election
2026 primary elections is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to shape the future of our community. Primaries decide who makes it onto the ballot in November, which means your voice matters before the big election even begins.
By showing up and casting a vote, you help choose the leaders and ideas that best reflect your values, strengthen democracy, and keep our system accountable. If you want change—or want to protect what matters to you—this is where it starts.
Primary Election Date
June 2, 2026 — California’s statewide primary, conducted under the state’s nonpartisan “top‑two” system.
What races are on the ballot?
In 2026, Californians will elect:
All 52 U.S. House seats, under the new Prop 50 maps
Governor of California
Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Controller, Insurance Commissioner
All State Assembly seats
Even‑numbered State Senate seats
Critical Dates
The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.
All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.
Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026.
Ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026.
Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or your county elections office.
Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning on May 23, 2026.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9, 2026.
Checking Your Status: Voters can confirm their registration, address, and vote‑by‑mail status using the state’s My Voter Status tool (https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/). You’ll need your CA drivers license number and the last 4 digits if you Social Security number.
References
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections