An important deadline is almost here for anyone who wants to vote in the June California primary election.
Monday marks the deadline to register to vote and receive a vote by mail ballot for the June 2 primary.
Unsure of your registration status? Click here to find out.
The California Secretary of State has everything you need to know to register. Voter registration applications also are available at most government buildings, such as libraries, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and county elections offices.
All active registered voters in California receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
Eligible voters who miss the May 18 deadline won’t receive a vote-by-mail ballot, but can still vote in-person at a vote center, starting May 23 in Los Angeles County. Those ballots will be processed and counted once the county elections office completes a voter registration verification process.
California law provides for same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration.
Casting your ballot in the primary election
The ballots feature a long list of races for voters to decide, including contests for California governor and other state offices, Los Angeles mayor and other important races, many of which will determine the candidates in the November runoff.
Once they’re filled out and signed, ballots can be returned to the county elections office by mail or dropped at one of more than 400 official ballot drop boxes. Ballot also can be submitted at a vote center, starting May 23.
Voters also can track their ballots using this tool.
If a ballot is postmarked by Election Day on June 2 and received within seven days, LA County elections officials will process, verify and count that ballot. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk recommended mailing ballots at least seven days prior to Election Day.
Here’s what to check before returning the ballot.
Place your voted ballot card(s) inside the official return envelope.
Securely seal the official return envelope.
Sign and date the back of the official return envelope.
Important dates for California voters
Below, some key dates for voters in the California June primary election.
April 23-May 12: Voter information guides will be mailed.
May 4: County elections officials must begin mailing every registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot no later than this date.
May 4: Early voting sites open.
May 5-June 2: All counties must open ballot drop-off locations by this date.
May 18: This is a big one — the last day to register to vote in the primary election.
May 19-June 2: Same-day voter registration will be available, allowing voters to cast a provisional ballot.
May 23: Voter’s Choice Act counties will open vote centers.
June 2: Vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. stateside for Election Day.
How to find a ballot drop box in Los Angeles County
The county offers a searchable map here. Here’s what to know about the drop box program, which started in 2017
Drop boxes are available to voters beginning 29 days before and on Election Day.
Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Drop boxes are bolted securely into cement or chained in place.
Drop boxes are designed with security features identified in state regulations.
Drop boxes have an exterior coating to reduce permanent graffiti or damage.
Ballots are picked up regularly by two election workers.
The county works with law enforcement agencies, cities, local stakeholders, and community-based organizations to monitor and safeguard all boxes.
Voter information for other Southern California counties is available below.