With the June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election underway, Ventura County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Michelle Ascencion and her team are answering some of the common questions about the election that voters have been asking.
“Because every election is unique, each election generates its own set of questions,” Registrar Ascencion said.
“For example, the first thing voters notice when opening their mail ballot is that the ballot size is unusually large, and voters may wonder why that is,” she said. “This election is the first gubernatorial primary in California without an incumbent for governor since 2018, along with other termed-out seats at the State level. An open seat tends to draw a lot of hopefuls – there are about 60 candidates for governor alone!”
All candidates for a contest must appear on the same side of a ballot card, to give each candidate equal placement. They are also listed in a randomized alphabet order established by the Secretary of State, which can make it challenging for voters to locate their preferred candidate in a sea of names. Voters may also notice names of candidates reported to have “dropped out” of the race, but they made the decision after ballots already went to print.
“In addition to election-specific questions, we’re answering general questions that come up every election cycle,” Ascencion added. “Our team does everything it can to help make the process as accessible and clear as possible in the materials we send, and we’re more than happy to clarify when voters contact us.”
The following FAQs are intended to answer what many Ventura County voters are wondering, but any voter with questions is always encouraged to contact the Elections Division directly, whether by phone, email, or with an in-person visit.
Order of Candidates on the Ballot
Before the election, the Secretary of State conducts a randomized drawing of letters of the alphabet. The resulting order of letters constitutes the “randomized alphabet” to be used for determining the order of candidate’s names on the ballot. That alphabet applies throughout the candidate’s name.
For Statewide offices like Governor, the start of the randomized alphabet also rotates according to Assembly District. Assembly District 1 will start with the randomized alphabet as drawn. Assembly District 2 will start with the second letter of the randomized alphabet, and so on throughout all 80 districts.
Registered Voter Has Not Received Their Ballot Yet
Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed to all active registered voters beginning May 4. While some voters may receive their ballot within a day or two, delivery can take 7–10 days for others.
Voters who have not received their ballot by May 14 are encouraged to contact the Elections Division by phone, email, or in person.
Voters may also wish to verify that their voter registration information is current. Registration status can be checked online at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov under the “Voter Info” tab or by calling the Elections Division with their identification handy.
Punch Holes in the Ballot Return Envelope
The holes punched into ballot return envelopes are a standard election envelope design consistent with recommendations from the Secretary of State and the Center for Civic Design.
The holes serve two purposes:
• They help visually-impaired voters locate the signature line; and
• They allow election workers to quickly confirm envelopes are empty after ballots are removed for processing.
Once emptied, envelopes are stacked and secured with zip ties through the holes for storage purposes.
Torn Vote-by-Mail Ballot Package Envelope Received
Some voters have expressed concern after receiving ballot packages with tears in the barcode window exposing the whole barcode.
The barcode is used for USPS and printing purposes and does not affect the security or integrity of the ballot inside. Minor tearing is relatively common because the thickness of the ballot packet can cause the envelope to catch in high-speed postal sorting equipment.
Voter Damaged or Stained Their Ballot or Used a Pen with the Wrong Color Ink
If there is still time before Election Day, voters may request a replacement ballot and/or ballot return envelope from the Elections Division or visit any vote center for a replacement.
If a voter mails back a damaged or marked ballot that cannot be read by tabulation equipment, trained election staff working in pairs will duplicate the voter’s choices onto a fresh ballot so it can be counted accurately.
Voter Forgot to Sign Their Ballot Envelope
Any voter who forgets to sign their ballot envelope — or whose signature does not match the signature on file — will receive a letter from the Elections Division explaining how to “cure” the signature.
Curing is the process by which a voter completes and returns a signature verification form or visits the Elections Division in person to verify their signature. Once completed and verified, the ballot can be counted.
The Elections Division continues outreach efforts to voters with signature issues up until two days before election certification to help ensure every eligible ballot is counted.
Options to Return Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot
Voters have three options for returning their vote-by-mail ballot:
- Deposit it in an Official Ventura County Elections ballot drop box, no later than 8 PM on Election Day;
2. Return it at any vote center, including the Elections Division at the Ventura County Government Center, no later than 8 PM on Election Day; or
3. Return it through the USPS mail system, postage-free.
Maps and complete lists of ballot drop box and vote center locations are available at Vote.VenturaCounty.gov. The lists of ballot drop box and vote center locations are also included in the vote by mail ballot package and County Voter Information Guide booklet.
Postmark Deadline Warning!
Voters are reminded that USPS does not always postmark ballots immediately upon mailing. In some cases, ballots may not receive a postmark until they reach a regional processing center several days later.
To be counted, vote-by-mail ballots returned through USPS must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Elections Division within seven days after the election.
To avoid delays, voters are encouraged to mail ballots at least 7–10 days before Election Day. Voters returning ballots closer to Election Day should go into the post office and request a hand-applied postmark. Ballot drop boxes and vote center drop-offs also remain secure and timely return options.
Vote-by-Mail Ballot Tracking
Ventura County voters may track their ballot from the time it is mailed to them through final receipt and acceptance by the Elections Division.
BallotTrax is a free service that provides ballot status notifications by text, email, or phone. Voters may sign up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
Mail Ballots Received After Election Day
Vote-by-mail ballots returned through USPS must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Elections Division within seven days after the election in order to be counted.
“With the vast majority of Ventura County voters — as many as 90 percent — participating through vote by mail, we want to ensure voters have the information they need to cast and return their ballot on time for the Primary Election.” Registrar Ascencion said.
For more information, visit Vote.VenturaCounty.gov. Voters needing assistance may call the Elections Division at 805-654-2664 or email Elections@VenturaCounty.gov.
Stay up to date on election information by following @VCClerkRecorder on social media.