Just 4% of mailed California ballots have been returned ahead of primary

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]Over 23 million ballots have been sent out. Just 4% of those ballots have been returned. That's according to Political Data Incorporated. Paul Mitchell runs that site. Tells us the return date doesn't appear to be uncommon.

[00:00:13]The traditional early turnout is establishment, homeowners, people who are frequent voters, people who are more affluent, people who check the mail. And when you look at that population, it ends up being a lot older, whiter, more often times more conservative.

[00:00:31]Mitchell says he expects voter turnout to land at about 35% noting the gubernatorial primaries typically see the lowest participation of any statewide election. So, early in-person voting begins May 23rd. Vote centers open statewide. Primary election day is June 2nd. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the 2nd of June.