Governors Election FAQ Quick List:
There are too many democratic candidates running in the California Governors Race. With a "top two primary" looming and the date to drop out being April 15 it is important to encourage lower polling candidates to drop out so we can rally around the higher polling candidates.
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June 2, 2026.
Mail in ballots can start being submitted on May 5th
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CA has a "top two primary" which means only the top two candidates will make it to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation.
The top two Republican candidates are each currently polling around 16-17%. In a normal year in blue state California, this would mean neither of them might make it to November. But this year the race is wide open because Gavin Newsom is term-limited so he can't run again. And right now there are so many Democratic candidates splitting the remaining likely voters that even the top three range from 14% down to 10% each. Below them is the rest of the pack, in small, single digits of popularity but collectively holding 31% of Democratic-leaning votes among them.
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Rally behind the top non-Republican candidates and encourage high voter turnout among your peers and family.
Right now the top two polling candidates are both Republicans. Steve Hilton (former Fox News commentator, anti-regulation, anti-immigrant, anti-choice, anti-mail-in voting, Trump-endorsed) and Chad Bianco (sheriff, Oath Keeper adjacent, βlaw and order,β pro-deportation, ballot-snatcher, and also a big Trump backer).
There are also 5 Democrats receiving a separate percent of the democrat polls.
Tom Steyer (Billionaire philanthropist, climate activist. Focus: economic affordability,/housing, renewable energy. Endorsements: CA Nurses Association,\CA School Employees Association)
Katie Porter (Former US Rep, consumer advocate. Focus: high cost of living, housing,\healthcare affordability. Endorsements: Emily\'92s List. NY Times poll gives\her a somewhat higher popularity rating, roughly equivalent to Steyer)
Xavier Becerra (Former US Health & Human Services Secretary and CA Attorney General.\Focus: healthcare access, immigration rights, record of suing Trump\administration)
Matt Mahan (Mayor of San Jose. Moderate Democrat, former tech entrepreneur,\opposes \'93billionaires tax\'94)
Antonio Villaraigosa (Former mayor of LA and Assembly Speaker. Focus: public transit,\crime reduction. Endorsements: Barbara Boxer)
To keep the scenario of two Republican candidates in the November general election from becoming reality, it's critical that between now and June 2, to do three things:
Educate yourself and rally behind one or two of the top-polling Democrats (even if s/he is not your personal favorite)
Vote in the primary
Educate and encourage your friends and neighbors to vote in this year's primary, too.
DO NOT SIT THIS ONE OUT!
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Because only the top two candidates will make it into the general election standing by a lower polling candidate will lead to diluted liberal/democratic voting. The Republicans on the other hand have fewer candidates so less dilution will lead to higher votes for both of them.
Voting FAQ Quick List:
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Register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/
Pick up a paper application at your county elections office, any DMV field office, and many post offices, public libraries, and government offices.
Receive the application by mail by calling Secretary of State's toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
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CA will mail ballots to all registered voters on May 4th.
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Drop it off at a secure drop off location:
One option is the Marin County elections office (3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 121)
Place it in the mailbox (no postage needed)
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When we are closer to the election you can check https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place
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Vote centers open for early in-person voting in Marin on May 23.
For in person voting on June 2, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Yes! If you are eligible to vote you can register or re-register within the 14 days before an election at your county election office, a polling place, or a voting center.