With less than a month until the June 2 primary election, California officials are encouraging residents to vote early and understand their rights, citing concerns that mailed ballots may arrive too late to be counted.
Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber issued the reminder on Tuesday, noting that changes in U.S. Postal Service delivery timelines could affect whether ballots are received on time. A recent Los Angeles Times report found an increase in ballots arriving after the deadline, prompting officials to stress the importance of early participation.
“I want every Californian to have their vote counted, and the best way to make sure that happens is to vote early,” Bonta said in a statement. “Postal delivery timelines have changed, and mailing your ballot on Election Day could mean it arrives too late.”
He advised voters to return mail ballots at least a week before Election Day, or to use secure drop boxes or vote centers.
“Protecting the right to vote is a top priority for me, and I’ll continue working to ensure our elections are fair and accessible,” said Bonta.
Weber echoed that message, adding that her office and county elections officials are available to help voters navigate the process and report any issues.
“Anyone who has concerns that their, or anyone else’s rights are being impeded, should report such interference,” she said.
California voters have until May 18 to register online. After that deadline, eligible residents can still register and vote in person through same-day voter registration at designated locations.
Postal service changes may especially impact inland areas like Kern County. Under updated procedures, mail deposited more than 50 miles from a regional processing hub may not be collected until the following day. That delay could prevent ballots mailed on Election Day from receiving a timely postmark, making them ineligible to be counted.
State officials recommend several alternatives to ensure ballots are counted: returning ballots early by mail, dropping them off at secure ballot boxes, or delivering them directly to a vote center. Voters who choose to mail their ballot close to Election Day are advised to request a postmark at the post office counter.
The announcement also highlighted the California Voter Bill of Rights, which guarantees protections such as the right to cast a provisional ballot if a voter’s name is not listed, the right to receive assistance, and the right to vote in a language other than English in certain areas. Voters are also entitled to a private ballot and to remain in line even after polls close.
Officials warned about the spread of election misinformation online, noting that it is illegal to intentionally mislead voters about their eligibility or about when and where to vote.
Additional protections are in place for voters with disabilities, including the right to assistance from a person of their choice and access to accessible voting systems under federal and state law.
Any suspected violations of voting rights can be reported to the Secretary of State’s office through its voter hotline or by email. State and local law enforcement agencies have also been advised on laws prohibiting voter intimidation, election interference, and disruption at polling places.
As election day nears, officials say the message is simple: plan ahead, vote early, and know your rights.
