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California primary election: What to know about March 5 vote

By KTVU Staff
Published  February 24, 2024 5:20pm PST
2024 Election
KTVU FOX 2

The California primary election is on March 5 and every registered voter will receive a ballot to cast their vote for governor, senator, representative, and other state and local offices and propositions.

For your vote to count, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the county elections office no later than March 12.

Registering to vote

Here's what you need to know ahead of the statewide primary election.

The last day to register to vote was Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. However, residents can also register "conditionally" and vote a provisional ballot during this time through Same Day Registration.

Voters can track their vote-by-mail ballot by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive status alerts by text, email, or voice.

To check your voter registration status, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or call the Voter Hotline at 1-800-345-8683. 

You can register or update your registration at registertovote.ca.gov.

What races are on the ballot?

The primary election ballot will include races for the U.S. Senate, districts for all of California's representatives in Congress, state senators, two San Francisco propositions, and state assembly members.

If you are registered with the Democratic, Republican or other party, a ballot for the presidential primary will also be included in the packet sent to your address. Some parties allow voters who are not affiliated with a party to cast a "crossover" vote in their presidential primary.

Ballots can be submitted in person at voting centers, by mail or in drop boxes. To find your closest center or drop box, enter your city and ZIP Code here. Ballots can also be mailed to county election officials so long as they are postmarked on or before March 5, Election Day. A ballot must be received no later than Feb. 27 to be counted.

How can I vote in person?

Your local polling site should be indicated in the sample mail ballot sent to you. If an address isn’t listed, call the secretary of state’s voter hotline at 1-800-345-8683 or check here.

There are also locations for early voting. To find a site in your county, click here.