2026 Primary Election guide and fact sheet. Photo by Noe Magaña.
2026 Primary Election guide and fact sheet. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Here’s a guide for San Benito County voters with key information on the June 2 primary election and the voting process. It’s separated into three categories: registering to vote, vote by mail information, and in-person voting. Each category includes general information and answers to frequently asked questions.

BenitoLink created the 2026 primary election coverage page that includes Q&A articles with candidates, analysis of funding and videos from the election forum.

Follow our 2026 primary election coverage here.  

REGISTERING TO VOTE—BASIC INFORMATION

First, check your registration status here. 

How do I register to vote?

Once I fill out the online or paper application, am I automatically registered as a voter?

  • No. The application needs to be verified by county elections officials, who will mail you a voter notification card if your application has been approved. If more information is needed the County Elections Department will mail you a letter to the address on file. More information is here. 

If I didn’t vote in the primary, can I vote in the general election?

  • Yes.

Do I need to reregister if I didn’t vote in the last election?

  • No. You only need to reregister if you have changed your address, changed your name, or want to change your political party.  

What happens if I miss the voter registration deadline?

  • The last day to register and receive a vote-by-mail ballot is May. 18. Starting May. 19, if you are not a registered voter, you will need to complete a same-day voter registration form and request your ballot in person at any vote center location (see list below).

What is conditional voter registration?

  • If you missed the 15-day voter registration deadlines, you can conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot. Do this by visiting either the County Elections Department or a vote center within the 14-day period before the election. More information is here. 

How do I change my political party if I’m already registered?

What if I have a disability?

What if I have changed my name?

  • You will need to reregister to vote. You can do so here. 
  • Also make sure to update your name with your DMV record. More information is here. 

What if I only moved within the state of California?

  • If you have already updated your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Postal Service, registration will automatically be updated with a new address. The County Elections Office also sends a postcard to verify a voter’s current address with a post card.

What is the difference between the State Voter Information Guide and the County Voter Information Guide?

How do I vote if I’m in the military, temporarily living out of state or abroad?

  • You will need to complete the online voter register application, or complete a Federal Post Card Application. 
  • You can request that your ballot and Military or Overseas Voter Return Envelope be emailed, faxed or mailed to you. 
  • You can either submit your completed ballot to your County Elections Office, or return by mail or fax. 
  • If returning by mail, make sure to do so with more than enough time. 

What if I don’t have a permanent address?

  • You are still able to vote without a permanent address. You can either provide the address of your last residence, give the city, zip code, and closest cross streets to where you are residing, or provide a mailing address where you can receive voting materials, such as a P.O. Box. You can always contact the County Elections Office with more questions. 

What if I want to cancel my California voter registration? 

Is my voter registration information confidential?

  • Information is not available to the general public. California law allows certain voter information to be released to certain individuals and political organizations. More information is here.

Am I able to vote online?

  • No. California law prohibits the casting of a vote online for security reasons. 

BALLOT INFORMATION 

Who gets a ballot in the mail?

  • Everyone who is an active registered voter in California receives a ballot by mail. 

When does the county begin distributing the mail-in ballot?

  • Election offices are required to mail ballots 29 days before election day (May 4). The local voter information guide and the state voter information guide are mailed separately.

How do I return my mail-in ballot?

  • You can mail the ballot to the County Elections Office, drop it off at a ballot drop box (listed below) or any vote center location. Ballot drop-off locations open on May 4 and close June 2 at 8 p.m.

When is the last day to return my mail-in ballot?

  • If you are returning the ballot, it must be dropped off by 8 p.m. at a drop off location on election day.
  • If you are returning the ballot by mail, it must be postmarked on or before election day, and received by the County Elections Office no more than seven days after election day. The Elections Office recommends that voters request a hand stamp of the postmark date from a USPS clerk. 

How can I track my ballot?

  • Track your ballot and receive notifications on when your vote is counted here.

What if I lost or never received my ballot?

What if I made a mistake on my ballot?

  • You can request a new ballot from the County Elections Office, or you can go to a vote center and request a new ballot there.

Does the signature on my ballot need to match the one on file?

  • Yes. If your ballot is missing a signature, or your signature does not match your signature on file, then you will be notified to fix the error.You can visit the County Elections Office to see what signature is on file.

Does it matter if I put my ballot in a drop box in the wrong county?

  • No. If dropped in the wrong county, that county will send it within seven days of receiving it to the correct county elections office. 

What should I do if I receive another person’s ballot?

  • Do not open it. Write “return to sender” or “not at this address” and return it to the County Elections Office by mail. 

If my mail is being forwarded to me, will I still get my ballot?

  • No, election mail does not get forwarded. Make sure your county has your new address. Contact the County Elections Office to see where your ballot was mailed, or check your voter status here, which will show which address is on file. 

Can I write in a candidate for state, local offices?

  • The vote will not be counted unless you identify a certified write-in candidate. 

In-Person voting  

Can I vote in person?

  • Yes. Vote centers will be available for in-person voting. 

Where are the vote centers in San Benito County?

Dates and hours of operation for each of the locations are here.

Where are the drop box locations in San Benito county?

Following are the ballot drop box locations in the county. All drop box locations open on May. 4. and will remain open until 8 p.m. on election day (June 2, 2026). 

How do I find a vote center?

There are multiple ways to find one:

  • Go to https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
  • Text “VOTE” to GOVOTE (468-8683)
  • Call the Secretary of State’s hotline at (800) 345-VOTE
  • Check the back of County Voter Information Guide 
  • Contact the County Elections Office (831-636-4016)

Am I allowed to leave work to vote?

  • Yes. By law, employers are required to pay up to two hours of time off for voting. More (unpaid) time can be taken if needed. For more information visit. 

If you have additional questions or problems with casting your vote, contact the Secretary of State’s toll free voter hotline: (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Or contact the County Elections Office (831-636-4016, sbcvote@sanbenitocountyca.gov). 

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.