Deployed Service Members Urged to Act Quickly for California Primary

Military and overseas voters have unique steps to take to ensure their absentee ballots are counted.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:37am

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A photorealistic painting of a military-issue ballot box sitting alone on a wooden table, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and creating deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of solitude and the importance of the voting process for those serving abroad.Absentee voting for deployed service members takes careful planning to ensure their ballots are counted in time.San Diego Today

U.S. military personnel and other Americans living abroad need to be aware of some unique steps to take to ensure their absentee ballot gets counted in the California primary election on June 2. This includes registering to vote, requesting a ballot, and submitting it either by mail or fax before the deadlines.

Why it matters

Ensuring deployed service members and other overseas voters can participate in elections is critical for democracy. This story provides important information to help these voters navigate the process and have their voices heard.

The details

Eligible California residents, including military, can register to vote online at any time, but should do so as soon as possible, especially if they are at sea, so they can get their election materials in time. Even if previously registered, voters must update the state about their plan to vote absentee. Voters can choose to receive their ballot by mail, fax or email, but cannot return it by email - it must be faxed or mailed. Mailed ballots must be signed, postmarked by Election Day, and received within 7 days after.

  • Voters who requested to receive their ballot via email will begin doing so on April 17.
  • Ballots will be mailed beginning April 18.
  • The California primary election is on June 2.

The players

San Diego County Registrar of Voters

The office responsible for administering elections in San Diego County, California.

California Secretary of State Elections Division

The state agency responsible for overseeing elections in California.

Federal Voting Assistance Program

A Department of Defense program that provides information to uniformed service members, their families, and overseas citizens on the voter registration and ballot request process.

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What’s next

Registered voters can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot as a backup plan if they do not receive their regular absentee ballot in time.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unique challenges and requirements for deployed service members and other overseas voters to participate in the California primary election. It's critical that these voters act quickly to register, request, and submit their ballots to ensure their voices are heard.