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Community Matters
Your Guide to the California Primary Elections
The decisions made in California's elections don't stay in Sacramento. They shape the programs that fund your local health clinic, determine who has access to Medi-Cal, and influence the policies that affect the cost and quality of care in your community. This June, California voters have an important opportunity to make their voices heard. Here is what you need to know before you cast your ballot.
What Is a Primary Election?
A primary election is the first round of voting. It narrows down the field of candidates before the general election in November, which determines state and federal representatives. Think of it as a qualifying round: candidates compete, and the top vote-getters move on to face each other in the fall.
California uses a system called the Top-Two Primary. Under this system, all candidates for a given office appear on one single ballot, regardless of their political party. The two candidates who receive the most votes in June advance to the general election in November, even if they are from the same party.
What Is on the Ballot?
The June 2, 2026, California Primary Election covers a wide range of offices that directly affect everyday life. Voters will weigh in on many races including:
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Insurance Commissioner
- All 80 seats of the California State Assembly
- All 52 California seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
Because Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, this is a wide-open race with candidates from both parties vying for the state's top office.
Many of these offices have a direct impact on health and social services in California. The Insurance Commissioner, for example, oversees the regulation of health insurance plans in the state. State Assembly members vote on healthcare funding, Medi-Cal eligibility, and community health programs that affect millions of Californians.
Key Dates to Know
According to the California Secretary of State, here are the most important deadlines for the June primary:
- May 4, 2026 — Vote-by-mail ballots begin going out to all active registered voters.
- May 5, 2026 — Secure ballot drop-off locations open across the state.
- May 18, 2026 — Last day to register to vote online or by mail.
- May 23, 2026 — Early in-person voting opens at vote centers in Voter's Choice Act counties.
- June 2, 2026 — Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by this date.
How to Register to Vote
Registering to vote in California is straightforward. You can register to vote at RegistertoVote.ca.gov. You can also pick up a paper application at your county elections office, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, or your local library. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, a California resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day.
If you are 16 or 17, you can pre-register to vote now. Your registration will automatically become active when you turn 18.
Already registered? You can check your registration status anytime on the Secretary of State's website.
How to Vote
All active registered voters in California will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot at home. You can return it by mail (postmarked by June 2), drop it off at an official drop box, or bring it to a vote center in person. If you prefer to vote in person, early voting locations will be open starting May 23. California does not generally require voters to show ID at the polls.
At AltaMed, we believe staying informed and engaged is essential for community well-being. The officials elected in June and November will make decisions that shape health care access for millions of Californians. We encourage every eligible patient and community member to register and vote. In fact, here are five reasons why you should vote in every election. For a flyer on important election information, visit My Vote. My Health.
For questions about your health coverage, care options, or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call (888) 499-9303 or visit our Getting Started page.
