What to KnowPrimary Election Day is Tuesday in California, where voters will decide races for governor, Los Angeles mayor and other contests. Once they’re filled out and signed, ballots can be returned to the county elections office by mail or dropped at an official ballot drop box. Ballots also can be submitted at a vote center, all of which are open in Los Angeles County. Check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot here.

The hours are ticking down to Election Day in Southern California when voters will help narrow down races for California governor, Los Angeles mayor and more in the statewide June primary.

Election Day is Tuesday, when the county’s 5.8 million registered voters have a last chance to cast ballots. In addition to the closely watched races for governor and mayor, other statewide offices, U.S. House seats, local ballot measures, city council contests and more are on the ballot.

County election officials encouraged voters to review their ballots carefully and vote early, noting the ballot includes a large number of contests and candidates. The governor’s race alone has more than 60 candidates on the ballot.

“With all L.A. County Vote Centers open this weekend, voters have many convenient options to cast their ballot early,” Dean C. Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, said in an earlier statement. “Avoid the rush, make a plan to vote early this weekend or Monday at a location that’s convenient for you.”

Here’s what voters should know.

How to find a Los Angeles County vote center

A list and map of vote center locations are available here. Enter an address in the upper left search field to find a location near you.

When are LA County vote centers open?

The vote centers that opened Saturday in Los Angeles County are in addition to 122 that opened on May 23. They will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person voting, voter registration and vote-by-mail ballot returns.

On Election Day, June 2, the centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voter information for other Southern California counties is available below.

Voters also can track their ballots using this tool.

Casting your ballot in the primary election

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.

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.

What if I missed the voter registration deadline?

California offers same-day voter registration, which allows people to register at vote centers, then cast a provisional ballot. Anyone registering to vote less than 15 days before an election will need to complete the same-day registration process and request a ballot in person at a county polling location.

Voters who conditionally register will, in most cases, cast a provisional ballot. Once county elections officials process the registration and validates the information, registration becomes permanent and the provisional ballot will be counted.

Click here for more information about same-day registration.

Where’s my ballot?

Check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot here.

How does the California primary work?

California uses a top-two election format in which only the two leading vote-getters advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. Even if one candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the primary election, two still advance to the General Election in November.

The only exceptions are candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction or candidates for voter-nominated offices in special elections.