A procrastinator’s guide to California’s primary election
Super Tuesday is approaching, but it’s not too late to cast your ballot. Here’s everything you need to know about how to vote, which candidates are running and where they stand on key issues:
Who’s running?
There are 20 Democrats and seven Republicans running for president that have gotten their name on the California ballot. You can learn more about the top Democratic candidates here and check out The Bee’s voter guide for more information on candidates in congressional, statewide and local races.
The Sacramento Bee’s Editorial Board endorsements may be helpful, too.
What do I need to know about the candidates?
Our tracker of candidate visits tells you where the Republican and Democratic presidential contenders have campaigned in California and how often they’ve visited the state. The Bee also has a series of stories and videos highlighting the five things you need to know about the top 2020 Democrats.
If you’re looking for a 2020 candidate whose policy views match yours, this policy comparison addresses how the top seven Democrats would tackle housing, health care, higher education, climate change and immigration.
How do I vote?
Never fear, you can still register to vote or switch your party affiliation on or before Election Day. Polls close at 8 p.m. on March 3.
You can check your voter registration status by visiting voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-345-VOTE (8683). If you need to register to vote for the first time or update your voter registration information, you should visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov.
No party preference voters can request a Democratic ballot or change their party affiliation to Republican to vote in the GOP primary. Those registered with the American Independent Party must re-register altogether, regardless of which partisan primary they’d like to vote in.
Eligible voters who need to register or re-register to vote between now and March 3 should visit their local county elections office, polling place or vote center.
Once you return your ballot by mail or in person, you can’t take it back. You need to make sure you have the correct ballot. An easy way to tell is if the top of your ballot lists presidential candidates in the party you’d like to vote from. If it does not, you’ll want to bring your existing ballot to an elections office, polling site or vote center and swap it for a different ballot.
Where are the ballot measures?
A lot of proposed ballot measures will head to California voters during the November general election rather than the March primary.
But Proposition 13 is on the ballot. If approved by primary voters, California would be able to sell $15 billion in new bonds to help build and repair schools, which includes $9 billion for preschools and K-12 schools and $6 billion for public universities and community colleges.
Advocates say the measure would make schools safer through much-needed repairs, while opponents argue $9 billion was already approved in 2016 to build and repair schools. They also fear that approving this measure would raise taxes on all California property owners.
Refuse to be confused
If you see something suspicious online or if you believe you’re receiving misinformation about the election, you can report it here to the Secretary of State’s Office. The Bee has already debunked a few claims with misleading information.