Ventura County residents can cast ballots now through multiple options
(CLAIR | Ventura County, CA) — Local voters can cast their ballots now for the June 2 gubernatorial primary election after early voting officially began May 4 across Ventura County.
Michelle Ascencion, the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announced that vote-by-mail ballots went out to all active registered voters on May 4. The same day, official ballot drop boxes opened and in-person voting began at the County Government Center.
Voters should receive their ballots by May 14. Anyone who has not received their ballot or voter information guide by that date should contact the Elections Office at 805-654-2664.
The county offers multiple ways to return completed ballots. Voters can mail them back through the U.S. Postal Service, though officials recommend sending ballots at least seven to 10 days before election day to ensure proper postmarking. Ballots must be postmarked by June 2 and received within seven days to count.
Voters can also drop off ballots at any of 40 official drop boxes or 53 vote centers throughout Ventura County. These locations accept ballots until 8 p.m. on election day. Lists and maps of all locations are available at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov.
For those who prefer voting in person, early voting continues at the Elections Office in the Ventura County Government Center at 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura. The office accepts voters Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through election day.
Additional vote centers will open May 23, giving voters even more in-person options in the final stretch before the primary.
Ventura County operates under the Voter's Choice Act, which allows counties to offer expanded voting options beyond traditional polling places on election day. The system gives voters flexibility in when and how they cast their ballots.
"We are able to go above and beyond for all our voters, offering everyone easy accessibility to their preferred method of voting," Ascencion said. "We want to ensure every legally-eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard."
Voters can track their ballots through BallotTrax, a free service from the California Secretary of State's Office. The system sends notifications by email, text or phone when ballots are mailed to voters and when they are received and counted. Voters can sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
The 2026 gubernatorial primary will determine which candidates advance to the November general election for California's top office. The current governor's term expires in January 2027.
Simi Valley, Moorpark and all voters in the county will find their local vote center and drop box locations listed on the county elections website. The site updates daily with new election information and serves as the primary resource for voters seeking details about the primary.
For assistance, voters can call the Elections Office at 805-654-2664, email Elections@VenturaCounty.gov, or follow @VCClerkRecorder on social media for updates.
The June 2 primary election will close at 8 p.m. Results will begin appearing on the county elections website shortly after polls close.
