California · 2026 Primary
A nonpartisan guide to every name on your California primary ballot — who they are, what they have done, and where they stand. Sourced from public records, not spin.
Voter guide reviewed May 27, 2026
Enter your ZIP to load every race and candidate you can vote on.
Confirm you are registered — or register — before June 2.
Look up your vote center and drop-off hours by address.
Governor down to local seats, with source-backed profiles.
California runs a top-two primary: for congressional, statewide, and state legislative races, every candidate shares one ballot regardless of party, and the two highest vote-getters advance to November — sometimes two candidates from the same party.
Every registered voter is mailed a ballot. You can return it by mail, drop it at an official box, or vote in person at a vote center.
Governor and statewide constitutional offices, all 52 U.S. House districts, state Senate and Assembly seats, plus county and local races and ballot measures. Your exact ballot depends on where you live.
See every California raceThe basics of voting in the June 2, 2026 California primary.
California's statewide primary is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. County elections offices mail a ballot to every registered voter ahead of election day, so most Californians can vote early by mail or at a drop box.
California uses a top-two primary for congressional, statewide, and state legislative offices. Every candidate appears on one ballot regardless of party, and the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November general election — even if they belong to the same party.
Any registered California voter. Because most races use the top-two format, you can vote for any candidate in those races regardless of the party you are registered with.
Confirm your status with our voter registration check, or register online through the California Secretary of State. California also offers same-day conditional voter registration at county elections offices and vote centers through election day.
Your exact ballot depends on your address. Enter your ZIP code on our My Ballot page to see your specific races, or browse every California seat and candidate on our California hub.
Yes. Every candidate profile is built from public records — voting history, campaign finance filings, and official documents — with a source link on every claim. We do not endorse candidates or rank them by ideology.
Walk into the California primary knowing every name — what they have done, who funds them, and where they stand — instead of guessing in the booth.