Can I still vote in California primary election if I lose my ballot? What to do
Voters across California are gearing up for the 2026 California primary election.
They’ll cast ballots to weigh in on federal races and major statewide offices — including governor.
County elections offices began sending out mail-in ballots on May 4.
What happens if your ballot is lost, damaged or accidentally thrown away before Election Day?
Here’s what California voters should do to make sure their vote is still counted in the upcoming election:
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 begin returning their ballots at an Early Voting site.
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.
Can you still vote in California if you lost your ballot?
According to the California Secretary of State Office, you can apply for a replacement ballot if you didn’t receive, lost or accidentally destroyed your original vote-by-mail ballot.
“Only the registered voter themself may request a replacement ballot,” the state department said.
To get a replacement ballot, fill out an application and return it your local county elections office.
You can also request a replacement ballot from your county elections office by phone or email, according to the California Secretary of State website.
Can you still vote if you moved to a new California county?
The last day to register to vote in California was on Monday, May 18.
However, the California Secretary of State Office said residents who have recently moved and missed the voter registration deadline can still participate in the election through same-day voter registration.
“This process allows eligible voters to register and vote at the same time at their county elections office, polling place or vote center up to and including Election Day,” the California Secretary of State Office previously told The Sacramento Bee.
You can find your county elections office on the state department’s website.
“Simply visit one of these locations, complete a voter registration form and cast your ballot,” the California Secretary of State’s Office said.
What can I do if my ballot was mailed to my old address?
If your ballot was sent to an old address after you moved, the California Secretary of State Office said, you should contact your county elections office immediately to request a replacement ballot.
“You can also visit a polling place or vote center in your new county to obtain a replacement ballot or vote in person,” the state agency said. “This ensures you receive the correct ballot for your new address and that your vote is counted.”
Do I need a new ballot if I moved to a different city?
If you moved to a new city within the same county, you do not need a new ballot to vote in California.
If you recently moved to a new county, the California Secretary of State Office said, you should use same-day voter registration at your new county’s elections office, polling place or vote center to update your registration and receive the correct ballot.
The state department said you should contact your new county elections office or visit a voting location to get a new mail-in ballot and “ensure your vote counts.”
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.
