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Politics

A Step-By-Step Guide To Vote In June 7 California Primary

Former California Secretary of State Debra Bowen demonstrated the state's online voter registration system when it was launched in 2012. Voters can also still register using a paper form.
Rich Pedroncelli AP
Former California Secretary of State Debra Bowen demonstrated the state's online voter registration system when it was launched in 2012. Voters can also still register using a paper form.
How to Use the KPBS Voters Guide

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.

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Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you ready.

STEP 1: REGISTER BY MAY 23

What you’ll need:

• California driver's license or identification card number

• Last four digits of your Social Security number
If you don’t remember whether you’re registered to vote, check online or call (858) 565-5800. Registered? Skip to the next step.

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.
Just make sure to hand deliver the application to the Registrar of Voters Office (that’s 5600 Overland Ave. in San Diego) by May 23 or postmark your application by that date when sending by mail (that’s P.O. Box 85656, San Diego, CA 92186).

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

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The U.S. presidential seal.
Wally Gobetz / Flickr
The U.S. presidential seal.

U.S. president

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.

U.S. Senate

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.
STEP 3: VOTE
A group of surfers pass a sign for a polling place on Election Day in San Diego, Nov. 4, 2014.
Associated Press
A group of surfers pass a sign for a polling place on Election Day in San Diego, Nov. 4, 2014.

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.

Get general information about the election, news coverage, an interactive ballot guide and results on election day.