The California Primary is June 2. North State registered voters should have received their voter packets in the mail by now. Once again, this is a vote-by-mail election, with ballot drop boxes and voter assistance/polling centers located in each community for help and convenience. If you choose to mail your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than June 2, 2026 to be counted.
This Voter Guide is compiled by our news partners at CalMatters as a service to help voters navigate the state and legislative offices that will be on the ballot.
Special note to registered voters in the pre-Prop 50 boundaries of Congressional District 1: In addition to your statewide ballot (the purple voting packet) you will also receive a ballot (the orange voting packet) to elect a US representative for Congressional Dist. 1, filling the remainder of the term left vacant by the late Doug LaMalfa. These two ballots must be kept separate to qualify as counted votes.
I think voting by mail is a practical step forward because it makes it easier for busy people or those living far away to participate in elections. However, the more convenient it is, the more detailed the voter guidance needs to be, because even a small mistake, like placing the wrong ballot, can directly affect the value of a vote.
Sadly too late for me, My mail in vote has already been posted. Didn’t realize I had 2 votes for Governor, but I’m ok with my one vote.
Sorry misread the Cal Matters site. Only 1 vote for governor.
The two-ballot situation for CD1 residents is exactly the kind of detail that’s easy to miss — I had no idea the orange and purple packets needed to be kept separate to count. Really appreciate CalMatters putting this together.
Easy to forget how much “simple voting” now comes with logistics, color-coded envelopes and deadlines that actually matter. Democracy feels very admin-heavy, but it still only works if people show up for it.