📌 We’re covering the California Primary Election.
A primary election is held to determine which candidates will run in an upcoming general election. In California, the top two candidates in each primary will move on to the November 2026 election, when voters elect a candidate.
Voting is underway in San Luis Obispo. Mustang News will issue updates at least every half hour throughout the day.
— Archana Pisupati, Editor in Chief
The UU ballot drop off box is slightly starting to pick up
There aren’t any poll workers near the UU voting box right now. Most voters are quickly dropping off their ballot before heading to class or work. Abbi Wilson, a Cal Poly library employee, spoke about deciding to vote.
“I’ve always voted since I could vote and I think it’s very important, especially right now,†Wilson said. “Things are kind of not how I want them to be, so coming out to vote, and even if it doesn’t make much of a difference, I think it’s still important.â€
A few students have come out after voting at the PAC. Mustang News spoke to forestry and fire science freshman Sawyer Tankersley who emphasized the importance of using your privilege of voting.
“You have nothing to lose, and this is your chance to have a say in what happens in California.†Tankersley said.
— Riya Minglani & Emi Valero Martinez, reporting from the UU and the PAC
‘It was a good way to bring us together’
9:01 a.m.
Voter Dan Jansen said him and his family discussed the primary candidates at the dinner table.
— Roman Noravian, reporting from Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Ballots collected at UU
9:01 a.m.
Voter Brynn Archelle spoke on her motivations for voting.
The poll workers just arrived to collect ballots. More people are starting to drop off their ballots.
— Riya Minglani & Sedona Harris reporting from the UU
‘It was super easy’
8:35 a.m.
Voter Shilpa Anandh praised the voting process.
— Roman Noravian, reporting from the County Clerk-Recorder
‘The money will flow‘: Trump endorses Steve Hilton via Truth Social
8:28 a.m.
Trump endorsed former Fox News host and British political strategists Steve Hilton in early April. He said Hilton would work with him to “make California great again.†This threw a major curveball against rival Republican candidate Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, pushing Hilton to lead.
— Archana Pisupati, Editor in Chief
Absentee ballot with a side of winedream date
8:01 a.m.
San Luis Obispo resident Jason Wells fills out his absentee ballot with his wife over a glass of wine.
— Roman Noravian, reporting from the County Clerk-Recorder
Things are gearing up on campus
8:01 a.m.
The polls have officially opened at Cal Poly’s campus. The Performing Arts Center has added an American flag to their entrance, and have “vote here†signs directing students. There’s multiple poll workers inside. There’s been a lot of passing traffic, and students turn to look at the PAC. So far, only a few people have gone in to drop off their ballot.
A couple of people have already started to drop off their ballots. There are very few people in the UU in general and no one is sitting at or around the ballot box.Â
—Riya Minglani & Emi Valero Martínez, reporting from the UU and PAC
Mustang News election coverage
June 2, 7 a.m.
Mustang News will be reporting live updates with information on the California Primary Election.
A primary election is held to determine which candidates will run in an upcoming general election. In California, the top two candidates in each primary will move on to the November 2026 election, when voters elect a candidate.
READ MORE: What’s on the June 2 ballot?
For more information, visit our 2026 Election section, and follow along on Instagram to watch explainers ahead of the big day. Â
— Archana Pisupati, Editor in Chief
