June 2, 2026: Statewide Direct Primary Election

California will hold its statewide direct primary election on June 2, 2026. California has a top-two primary system in which the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, progress to the general election in November. Along with voting for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and the California state legislature, voters will also vote for candidates for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other statewide offices. 

• May 4, 2026: Ballots mailed to all registered voters, and Early Voting sites open

• May 5, 2026: Ballot drop-off locations open

• May 18, 2026: Voter Registration deadline (for non-provisional ballot). After this, until election day, people can register, but they will receive a provisional ballot.

• May 23, 2026: Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties, including San Mateo County

• June 2, 2026: Election Day. All votes must be cast or mailed ballots must be postmarked by this date.

June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election Information

League of Women Voters of California Education Fund Easy Voter Guide

San Mateo County Web Page for the Statewide Primary Election 

Make Your Plan to Vote!

	Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026. Don't forget to sign the back of your return envelope Sign up for Where's My Ballot  Mail your ballot back early because it must be postmarked by Election Day, June 2. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day, make sure to mail it at least five days before Election Day, June 2, 2026. If mailing on Election Day, get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
	Don't forget to sign the back of your return envelope Ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup
	Beginning on May 23, 2026, vote centers will open for early in-person voting. Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box Lookup

Get the Facts Before You Vote!