California’s primary season is upon us — and it’s OK if you haven’t yet turned in your ballot.
While ballots were mailed out to registered voters a few weeks ago and vote centers and drop boxes have been open around the county for a bit, there’s a lot to navigate in the primary. Not only are there a bevy of candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat, but you may have a local measure or recall question on your ballot as well.
From why certain races may be missing from your ballot — or are on there twice — to how to track your ballot, we answered some of your primary questions below.
I’ve misplaced my ballot that I got in the mail a while ago. How can I still vote?
If you didn’t receive your ballot in the mail or it’s been lost or destroyed, you can get a replacement at your local county elections office or a vote center, where you can also vote in person.
You can only request a replacement ballot for yourself. According to the Secretary of State, requesting a replacement ballot for someone else is a criminal offense.
If you’ve still got your ballot, however, there are three ways you can cast it: Return it via the U.S. Postal Service (no postage is required, but it must be postmarked by March 5), place it in a drop box around the county or take it to a vote center.
Why am I seeing the California Senate race on my ballot twice?
No, you’re not seeing double: The open U.S. Senate race for the seat held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein is on the ballot twice.
There’s the regular Senate race for a six-year term and a special one to serve the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which ends in January 2025. Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to the seat after Feinstein’s death, is not running for a full term.
How are primary elections different?
In California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of political party, move on to the general election. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to the presidential…
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