Your Go-To Guide for California’s 2026 Primary: Key Deadlines, Races, and Candidates

Noncitizen Voting Proposal in Los Angeles City Elections

LOS ANGELES – As the city approaches the primary elections, discussions have intensified regarding a proposal that would allow noncitizens to participate in local races, including the elections for Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education.

The primary election is slated for June 2, adhering to California’s "Top Two" primary system, where the leading two candidates advance to the general election in November, irrespective of party affiliation. Ballots will start being mailed to all active registered voters on May 4, commencing a 30-day countdown to Election Day.

Key Election Dates

Residents are urged to mark their calendars for the following crucial deadlines:

• May 4: Ballots will be mailed. Voters can also begin to drop off signed ballots at official drop boxes across the county.
• May 18: This date marks the last opportunity to register online or by mail for receiving a ballot.
• May 19 – June 2: Same-day registration will be available, allowing those who missed earlier deadlines to conditionally register and vote in person at designated locations.
• June 2: Election Day polling will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• June 9: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by June 2 and received by this date to be counted.

What’s on the Ballot?

This midterm primary features high-profile races for statewide executive offices, including Governor. With the current seat open due to term limits, several candidates are vying for a chance in the November election:

• Democratic Candidates: Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan, and Tony Thurmond.
• Republican Candidates: Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.

In addition to statewide competitions, Los Angeles County voters will weigh in on several vital local offices. Nonpartisan races may conclude on June 2 if a candidate secures more than 50% of the votes.

Major Local Races

The race for Mayor pits incumbent Karen Bass against multiple challengers, including:

• Nithya Raman: A City Council member advocating for progressive housing reforms.
• Spencer Pratt: A reality TV personality focusing on public safety.
• Rae Huang: A community activist for housing rights.
• Adam Miller: A tech entrepreneur.

Additional citywide offices up for grabs include:

• City Attorney: Incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto faces challengers, including Marissa Roy and John McKinney.
• City Controller: Kenneth Mejia seeks re-election while pursuing data-driven reviews of the city budget.
• City Council: Elections for odd-numbered districts are also on the ballot.

Important Countywide Positions

LA County will see significant contests, including:

• Sheriff: The incumbent, Robert Luna, is running against former Sheriff Alex Villanueva and several former LASD lieutenants.
• Assessor: Current Assessor Jeffrey Prang is seeking another term against challengers from within his office and the real estate sector.

Additionally, two Board of Supervisors seats are contested, representing crucial areas of governance in the county.

Voting Procedures

California offers streamlined voting options, with several methods available:

• By Mail: All active voters will receive mail-in ballots. It is essential to sign the return envelope for validation.
• Drop Boxes: Voters may avoid mail delays by dropping ballots at secure locations starting May 4.
• In Person: Voters can participate at traditional polling places or various Vote Centers throughout the county.

As the primary election date nears, voters are reminded to verify their registration status and consult their sample ballots to understand the specific races that will impact their local communities.