California is a “top two” primary state. In these primary elections, all candidates for state offices are listed on the same ballot and all candidates are listed with their party affiliation. The top two candidates who get the most votes in each race move on to the General Election regardless of their party. The top two primaries are used for the following offices: United States Senators, congressional Representatives, State Senators, Assemblymembers, Governor,  Lt. Governor,  State Treasurer, Secretary of State, and State Attorney General. They are not used for President, Vice President, or  Political Party County Central Committees or County Councils.

If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.