California primary elections voting guide: What to know before you vote

Unlike other states, California hosts an open primary wherein voters can cast their ballot for any candidate from any party. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will face off in November.

All voters in the state were mailed a ballot, and so long as it is postmarked by 7 June, the state will count it. Ballots can also be brought to polling locations or secure drop boxes located around the state before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Gavin Newsom is seeking a second term and is likely to make it to the November ballot. Recent polling as not shown a clear second place candidate and with more than twenty people running, votes are likely to be spilt widely.

Based on migration out of California over the last ten years, the state lost one Congresssional seat.

US Senate Race

The vote for Senate may be a bit confusing for many voters. Two different votes will be cast.

The first is to decide who will represent California in the seat left vacated by Kamala Harris when she became vice president. This person will serve until 3 January 2023, when VP Harris’ Senate term would have ended. Such a vote is necessary under the California constitution, whereas in many other states, the person appointed to the seat would not have to face the public in an election until the term came to an end. Alex Padilla, the former Secretary of State of California, was appointed to serve in Harris’ place after the 2020 election.

Democrats

Republicans

No Party Preference

Additionally, voters will cast a separate ballot for who they would like to see on the ballot in November to serve as senators starting in January 2023. Alex Padilla is leading in the polls and is win both elections.

Democrats

Republicans

Green Party

Peace and Freedom

No Party Preference