POLITICS

Candidates campaign as ballots arrive across states

PUBLISHED May 3, 2026, 5:55 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 5

Center 100%

Sources: 5

San Francisco — Multiple candidates in the California gubernatorial race campaigned across Bay Area precincts this weekend as vote-by-mail ballots began arriving in mailboxes ahead of the June 2 primary, election officials said. County elections officers reported substantial vote-by-mail usage and local groups reminded voters to sign return envelopes and verify registration before established deadlines. San Diego County officials said over two million ballots were mailed and that 155 drop boxes open on May 5, with Registrar Shawn Brom urging early returns and postmarking by June 2; Santa Barbara and San Mateo counties confirmed drop boxes and voter guides, while eastern Idaho counties opened early voting through May 15 and set absentee request deadline May 8.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early May: Counties begin mailing ballots to registered voters.
May 5: San Diego County drop boxes open at 155 locations.
May 8: Idaho absentee ballot request deadline at 5 p.m.
May 15: Early voting period ends in eastern Idaho counties.
June 2: Ballots must be postmarked by this date for counting.

News Intelligence

Your vote counts. With ballots arriving in mailboxes, it's time to make your voice heard in the California gubernatorial race. Check your registration, sign your return envelope, and postmark by June 2.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Voters benefit from earlier ballot delivery, multiple drop-boxes, and clear deadlines enabling broader participation; county election offices benefit by staging processing capacity and public information campaigns to manage expected volume.

Who Impacted

Some campaigns face shortened voter contact windows as ballots arrive early; voters who miss postmark or signature requirements risk disqualified ballots and lost influence in candidate advancement.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Some campaigns face shortened voter contact windows as ballots arrive early; voters who miss postmark or signature requirements risk disqualified ballots and lost influence in candidate advancement.