What do I need to vote in California primary election? See state requirements
The 2026 California primary election is just around the corner.
Voters across California will cast their ballots in federal races and major statewide offices — including governor.
Wondering what you need to bring with you to vote?
If you’re planning to vote in person at the polls on Election Day, here’s what you need to know about state ID requirements:
When is Election Day in June 2026?
The 2026 primary election is on Tuesday, June 2.
When can I vote in California 2026 primary election?
California voters can begin returning their ballots at an Early Voting site.
While operation hours at Early Voting sites vary by county, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day — Tuesday, June, 2.
“No voters who arrive after the polls close may cast votes,” according to the California Secretary of State website.
At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.
What do I need to vote in California primary election?
According to the California Secretary of State, most California voters do not need to show identification at polling places.
However, first-time voters who registered by mail without providing a driver license number, state ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number might be required to show identification.
“In this case, be sure to bring identification with you to your polling place or include a copy of it with your vote-by-mail ballot,” the California Secretary of State said.
Acceptable forms of ID to bring to your polling place include:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Official state identification card
- Student identification card showing your name and photograph
How do I make sure my vote is counted?
The last day to vote in California is Election Day, Tuesday, June 2.
After completing your ballot, you can return your completed ballot by mailing it to a local county elections official, returning it in-person to a polling place or returning it at a drop-off location or a ballot drop box.
When mailing in your ballot, the California Secretary of State said, the ballot “must be postmarked on or before Election Day” and received no later than seven days after Tuesday, June 2.
How do I track my ballot in California?
The California Secretary of State has created a system to notify registered voters when their ballots are mailed, received and counted.
Where’s My Ballot? allows voters to receive updates through text message, email or phone call regarding their ballot’s status and any potential issues.
You can sign up online to track your California ballot.
Have a question about the 2026 primary election?
You can ask the California service journalism team by submitting questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below.
We have reporters covering Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:25 AM with the headline "What do I need to vote in California primary election? See state requirements."
