Know Your Rights

Know Your Voting Rights

Last updated: April 16, 2026 12:43 am

Learn about voting options for upcoming elections here.

Para información sobre sus derechos de voto en español, haga clic aquí.

OUR VOTING RIGHTS MATTER

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest.

The fight for voting rights remains as critical as ever as politicians across the country continue to engage in voter suppression. Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU SoCal is fighting back against attempts to curtail our vital right to vote.

2026 Primary Election

Election Day is June 2. Here's information on how to vote and key dates to remember this election.

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE

Every active registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail the week of May 4. Remember, you have options on how you’d like to cast your ballot: mailing it in, dropping it off or voting in person.

You may complete your ballot in the comfort of your home, sign and date your return envelope, seal your completed ballot inside, and return it by mail or at any official ballot drop box.

Mail It: Return it promptly through the U.S. Postal Service; or
Drop It Off: Starting Tuesday, May 5, you’ll have the option of dropping off your ballot at any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes located throughout the county.

Visit: If you would rather vote in person, that option is available, too. Take advantage of one of the 10 days of early in-person voting!

Starting Saturday, May 23, select vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting Saturday, May 30, all vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the final day of voting, Tuesday, June 2, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMPORTANT DATES

APRIL 23 – Voter Information pamphlets begin going out to registered voters.
MAY 4 – Ballots begin going out to registered voters.
MAY 4 – Early voting begins at the registrar’s office: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MAY 5 –Official ballot drop boxes open daily through June 2. Visit sdvote.com for locations and hours of operation.
MAY 18 –Voter registration deadline.
MAY 19 – If you missed the registration deadline, you can still conditionally register and vote provisionally at the registrar’s office or any vote center around the county through Election Day, June 2.
MAY 23 – Vote early! Select vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MAY 30 – All vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JUNE 2 – Election Day, last day to vote! All vote centers and official ballot drop boxes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2. If mailing on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
JULY 2 – Deadline to certify the election.

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE

You may complete your ballot in the comfort of your home, sign and date your return envelope, seal your completed ballot inside, and return it by mail or at any official ballot drop box.

Mail It: Return it promptly through the U.S. Postal Service; or
Drop It Off: Starting Tuesday, May 5, you’ll have the option of dropping off your ballot at any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes located throughout the county.

Visit: If you would rather vote in person, that option is available, too. Take advantage of one of the 10 days of early in-person voting!

Starting Saturday, May 23, select vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting Saturday, May 30, all vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the final day of voting, Tuesday, June 2, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMPORTANT DATES

APRIL 23 – Voter Information pamphlets begin going out to registered voters.
MAY 4 – Ballots begin going out to registered voters.
MAY 4 – Early voting begins at the registrar’s office: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MAY 5 –Official ballot drop boxes open daily through June 2. Visit sdvote.com for locations and hours of operation.
MAY 18 –Voter registration deadline.
MAY 19 – If you missed the registration deadline, you can still conditionally register and vote provisionally at the registrar’s office or any vote center around the county through Election Day, June 2.
MAY 23 – Vote early! Select vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MAY 30 – All vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JUNE 2 – Election Day, last day to vote! All vote centers and official ballot drop boxes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2. If mailing on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
JULY 2 – Deadline to certify the election.

EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS?

If you believe you have been denied the right to vote or you are aware of election misconduct, call one of the hotline numbers below or contact the ACLU.

Election Protection Hotline: (866) OUR-VOTE

California Secretary of State Voter Information Hotlines