Worn out from the political rabble-rousing and election mailers? Cheer up: The California primary is right around the corner.
On June 7, voters in San Diego and the rest of the state will finally cast their ballots for presidential party nominees, local office candidates and ballot measures. And KPBS is here to assist.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you ready.
What you’ll need:
• California driver's license or identification card number
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
If you're not registered, sign up online before midnight on May 23. Other options:
• Call (800) 345-8683 to have a registration form mailed to you.
• Pick up an application at a library, post office or any other government office near you.
If you miss the May 23 deadline, your application will be processed for future elections — including the general election on Nov. 8.
STEP 2: KNOW WHAT YOU'LL BE VOTING ON
If you registered with a political party, you can vote for a candidate in that party.
If you registered with no party preference or as nonpartisan, you can vote for a candidate in the following parties: American Independent, Democratic and Libertarian.
If you registered with another party or as no party preference and want to vote for a candidate in the Green, Peace & Freedom and Republican parties, you need to re-register with that party by May 23.
There are 34 candidates vying for the seat held by Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is retiring. Undecided? You can watch the debate KPBS hosted this month with the top candidates.
Other offices, ballot measures
Depending on where you live, there are other seats and ballot measures up for votes in the California primary. To see which ones you're voting on, just enter your address and ZIP code on the KPBS Voters Guide.
All registered voters also receive two things in the mail:
• A sample ballot listing what will be on your California primary ballot,
• An official voter information guide to statewide candidates and measures.
Find your polling place by entering your address here. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7.
Want to vote by mail instead? If you didn't select the vote-by-mail option when you registered, you can print and fill out this application and mail or hand deliver it to the Registrar of Voters Office by May 31.
Once you receive your mail-in ballot, fill it out by following the instructions provided and have it postmarked on or before June 7 before mailing it to the Registrar of Voters Office. You can also drop it off at the registrar's office from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7.
