How do I fix a mistake on California ballot? What to do during primary election
Starting Monday, May 4, county elections offices will begin mailing ballots for the California 2026 primary election.
Voters across California will cast ballots for open seats in federal races and key statewide offices including governor.
What happens if you make a mistake on your California ballot? Can you fix it?
Here’s what you can do:
When is Election Day in June 2026?
The 2026 primary election is on Tuesday, June 2.
When can I vote in California 2026 primary election?
California voters can return their ballots at an Early Voting site beginning Monday, May 4.
While operation hours at Early Voting sites vary by county, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day — Tuesday, June, 2.
“No voters who arrive after the polls close may cast votes,” according to the California Secretary of State website.
At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.
How do I fix a mistake on my California ballot?
California voters have up to three chances to cast their ballot, including the original one, if they make a mistake, according to California Elections Code.
You can take your incorrectly marked ballot to your county elections office to exchange it for a new one.
To find your county elections office, visit the California Secretary of State website.
You can also fix a mistake by completing an application for a replacement ballot and submitting it to your local county elections office.
According to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, mistakes can also be corrected by simply indicating the correction on your original ballot.
“Please do not initial or sign your name after the correction,” the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters said.
How do I make sure my vote is counted?
The last day to vote in California is Election Day, Tuesday, June 2.
After completing your ballot, you can return your completed ballot by mailing it to a local county elections official, returning it in-person to a polling place or returning it at a drop-off location or a ballot drop box.
When mailing in your ballot, the California Secretary of State said, the ballot “must be postmarked on or before Election Day” and received no later than seven days after Tuesday, June 2.
How do I track my ballot in California?
The California Secretary of State has created a system to notify registered voters when their ballots are mailed, received and counted.
Where’s My Ballot? allows voters to receive updates through text message, email or phone call regarding their ballot’s status and any potential issues.
You can sign up online to track your California ballot.
Have a question about the 2026 primary election?
You can ask the California service journalism team by submitting questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below.
We have reporters covering Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced.
