This guide was created with AI support to provide Californians with disabilities, caregivers, and families with accurate information, key dates, and accessible resources to participate in the 2026 California Primary Election.
2026 California Primary Election – Key Dates
- Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, May 18, 2026
- Same‑Day Voter Registration (Conditional): May 19 – June 2, 2026
- Vote‑By‑Mail Ballots Mailed: Beginning May 4, 2026
- Ballot Drop‑Off Locations Open: Starting May 5, 2026
- Vote Centers Open (Voter’s Choice Act Counties): May 23, 2026
- Election Day Voting Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
✅ Every active registered voter in California receives a vote‑by‑mail ballot.
How to Register to Vote in California
You can register to vote if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- A California resident
- 18 years or older by Election Day
- Not currently incarcerated for a felony sentence
Ways to Register:
- Online: Register to Vote in California
- By Mail: Voter registration cards are available at county elections offices, libraries, post offices, and DMVs
- In Person: County elections offices and Vote Centers
If you miss the May 18 deadline, you can still vote using Same‑Day (Conditional) Voter Registration at Vote Centers or county elections offices through Election Day.
♿ Accessible Voting Options for Voters with Disabilities
California offers multiple accessible voting options to ensure voters with disabilities can vote privately and independently.
✔ Accessible Vote‑By‑Mail
- All voters receive a vote‑by‑mail ballot
- Ballots may be returned by mail, drop box, or in person
- Ballots must be postmarked by June 2 and received by June 9, 2026
✔ Remote Accessible Vote‑By‑Mail (RAVBM)
- Allows voters with disabilities to mark ballots electronically using their own assistive technology
- Available in every California county
- Ballots must still be printed and returned
✔ In‑Person Accessible Voting
- All Vote Centers are ADA accessible
- Accessible voting machines with touchscreen, audio, and tactile controls
- Curbside voting available upon request
✔ Assistance at the Polls
You may choose up to two people to help you vote (excluding your employer or union representative).
How to use your County's voting system
Visit the California Secretary of State website or your local county elections office for more information on accessible voting.
