A Quick Guide to Voting in the California Gubernatorial Election

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We get it, life is busy. You received your newsletter weeks ago and it’s still there waiting for you with the rest of your mail. But don’t be like him 92% of voters in California who have not yet cast their ballot: plan to vote as soon as possible.

With the election just a week away and no clear front-runner in the governor’s race, let’s review some common election questions so you can prepare.

Why are so many people running for governor?

The race is wide open, in part because the Democratic Party’s top figures — former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla — have decided not to run for governor. Earlier this spring, Democratic voters appeared to rally around former congressman Eric Swalwell, but he dropped out of the race following sex-crime allegations.

Who are the candidates?

• Xavier Becerra, Democrat, former US Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General.
• Chad Bianco, Republican, Riverside County Sheriff.
• Steve Hilton, Republican, former Fox News host and former adviser to conservative British Prime Minister David Cameron.
• Matt Mahan, Democrat, Mayor of San Jose.
• Katie Porter, Democrat, former representative of Orange County in the United States Congress.
• Tom Steyer, Democrat, billionaire businessman and former presidential candidate.
• Tony Thurmond, Democrat, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Antonio Villaraigosa, Democrat, former mayor of Los Angeles and former Speaker of the Assembly.

How can I get more information about applicants?

You can learn more about the main candidates in our voter guide Mr see how they explain their positions on housing, justice, health and other important issues.

this son open primaries and why do we have them?

California’s open primary allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. The state adopted this system after voters approved Proposition 14 in 2010, which allows voters to choose any candidate in the primary, regardless of party affiliation.

Supporters of Proposition 14 argue that this system would force candidates to seek votes from across the political spectrum, which would reduce political polarization in California. But critics pointed out that it would limit voter options, potentially even favoring two candidates from the same party. That possibility is real this year because of the large number of gubernatorial candidates, as no one has established a clear advantage.

Who is leading in the polls?

The the latest Democratic poll shows Republican Hilton and Democrat Becerra leading with 22 percent and 21 percent, respectively, and Steyer in third place with 15 percent. Another study by the Public Policy Institute of California, published May 27 showed similar damage although Becerra was ahead of Hilton.

Is it too late to vote by mail?

It’s not too late, but don’t wait too long. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by election officials within seven days. Ideally, you should submit your ballot by Thursday, or at least five days before June 2, to ensure it is counted. If you wait until then, ask a postal clerk at your local post office for a manual postmark.

How can I vote on election day?

In addition to mailing your ballot, you can drop it off at one of the designated locations or vote in person at the polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find the nearest polling place here and yours Nearest Ballot Delivery Center here.

When will the votes be counted?

County election officials must begin reporting results to the secretary of state on election night, no later than two hours after the counting of votes begins. Election officials have 30 days to count the ballots and finalize the results for the state, which then has 38 days to certify them.

What about other government jobs?

You can find them all in our voter guide, but check out our more detailed explanations:

What is a leveling board?

We know Californians are asking themselves that question. We see this reflected in our pageview reports. The Board of Equalization is an elected tax board created by the state in 1879. It has limited powers to oversee the collection of property taxes and previously served as a platform for other political offices. Elections for board seats look particularly competitive this year, with three Current state legislators on the ballot.

I receive Learn more about the candidates in our voter guide..