The California primary is officially under way, as counties across the state have sent ballots to voters for the June 2 election.

It is the first step on the road to November, in a year that could decide California’s fate.

We could continue a downward spiral — or we can revive the California dream.

This will also be the first primary for the state’s newly gerrymandered congressional districts — and possibly the last California primary without voter ID, depending on the outcomes in November.

Turnout rates are often low for primary elections. But this year, there is so much at stake.

We have the headline race — the battle for the governorship. It is the first interesting contest since the recall election two decades ago that brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to power.

He came into office promising to make sweeping reforms. He ran into the unions — and they won. 

Today, many Californians — most, in some surveys — say that our state is heading in the wrong direction. 

The two major Republican candidates are talking about change. The half-dozen Democrats are talking about Trump. It is highly unlikely a Republican can win. But it is possible both might qualify for the general election through the jungle primary. If so — look out.

In Los Angeles, voters have a fateful choice. They have a unique opportunity to hold Mayor Karen Bass accountable for her failures in the 2025 wildfires.

With the election looming — and facing strong challenges from the left and the right — Bass has started to work with the Trump administration. 

Voters will decide whether she has earned back their trust.

There are literally dozens of other offices at stake. City Council; State Senate; State Assembly; US Representative; LA County Supervisor; LA County Sheriff; every statewide office; and a slew of judgeships.

There are also local ballot initiatives — not as notorious than the “billionaire tax” and its counter-proposals, which will be up for a vote in November, but still important. 

Your vote matters. You could make the difference.

So however you like to vote — make sure you do.

If you don’t like voting by mail, show up in person at a polling place, or find a drop box. 

And if you’re happy to use the US Postal Service, make sure you send your ballot early enough to ensure it is postmarked by June 2. 

Don’t miss the chance to make a difference for California’s future.

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