Full Breakdown
California Voters Urged to Mail Ballots Early Ahead of June Primary
5/27/2026, 10:18:42 PM
Early Mail Ballot Deadline
California officials urge voters who plan to vote by mail to return ballots by Tuesday, the day before the June 2 primary, to ensure counting. The reminder follows a USPS processing change that may delay postmarks for ballots dropped on Election Day. The primary includes Los Angeles mayor race and governor’s race.
USPS Processing Change
The U.S. Postal Service now picks up mail from post offices and collection boxes over 50 miles from a regional hub on the next business day, not the same day. Consequently, ballots left on June 2 receive a June 3 postmark, making them ineligible under California law.
Data & Statistics
Santa Barbara County mailed about 250,000 ballots in early May; by Tuesday roughly 35,000 were returned. The governor’s ballot lists 61 candidates. Late-ballot rejections rose from 179 in November 2024 to 2,647 in November 2025, a 14-fold increase tied to the USPS change.
Official Guidance
Chief deputy registrar of voters Martin Cobos advises mailing ballots at least five days before Election Day or getting a postmark at a post office. He adds ballots can be dropped at ballot boxes, polling places, or Elections Offices until 8 p.m. on June 2. Leaders repeat Tuesday deadline and note same-day registration remains available.
Criticism of Mail Changes
Officials warn that communities far from large USPS hubs, like Santa Barbara County, see higher late-ballot rejection rates. The surge raises concerns the new schedule disproportionately harms rural voters.
Impact on Election
Timely mail-in ballots are essential for accurate results in high-profile contests such as the governor’s race and the Los Angeles mayoral election. Delays or rejections could alter the electorate deciding these offices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mail at post offices and USPS collection boxes located 50 miles away from a regional hub is now picked up the next day.” — U.S. Postal Service policy notice
- “If a voter chooses to vote at the polls, please be prepared to wait in a line, this ballot has quite a high number of candidates,” — Martin Cobos, chief deputy registrar of voters
- “The USPS has changed the way they process mail, as a result we recommend mailing your ballot at least five days prior to Election Day,” — Martin Cobos
- “Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before June 2 and received by county elections officials by June 9 to be counted.” — Santa Barbara County Elections Office
Next Steps
The California primary is on June 2. Ballots postmarked by that date must reach county officials by June 9 to be counted. Voters who miss the Tuesday deadline can still deliver ballots to a voting center, drop box, or obtain a postmark before the 8 p.m. poll-closing time.
