PRESS RELEASE
PR26-66
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
Contact: sospres@sos.ca.gov
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Releases List of Write-in Candidates for June 2, 2026 Primary Election
Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. has released the certified list of write-in candidates for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.
The certified lists of write-in candidates are available online at: https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/certified-list-write-in.pdf.
When will vote counts for the certified write-in candidates be available?
County elections officials count votes for write-in candidates during the post-election canvass period. Please note that ballots with write-in candidates take longer to count.
Results for write-in candidates are not transmitted to the Secretary of State’s office until counties complete their final certification of the vote. The results for write-in candidates will not be included on the election night results website; the results for write-in candidates will be published on July 10, 2026, according to state law.
Do voters have to write a certified write-in candidate’s name exactly? Does spelling count?
County elections officials will accept a reasonable spelling of a candidate’s name. Example: votes for “Joe Smith” and “Joseph Smith” would be accepted for “Joseph A. Smith.”
Where can voters find the list of certified write-in candidates?
The list of certified write-in candidates is posted on the Secretary of State’s website, and county elections officials will post the list in polling locations and voter centers.
Upcoming California key dates and deadlines for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election can be found at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026/key-dates-and-deadlines.
A full California Complete June 2, 2026, Primary Election Calendar is available at https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/primary-election-calendar.pdf.
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