California’s statewide primary election is underway, and LAAPOA wants to remind all our members and supporters that now is the time to make sure you’re informed on the issues and candidates and prepared to cast your vote by Election Day on June 2. With many crucial contests happening at the national, state, county and city levels, this is our opportunity to participate in decisions that affect law enforcement and the overall direction of our communities. Here’s what you need to know to make your voice heard in support of public safety.

Don’t Sit This One Out

First off, if you’re considering not voting because this is “only” a primary and the “real” election happens later, please think again. Primaries wield a lot of power in the political process — and not only by advancing the top two vote-getters to the general election in November. In L.A. city and county races, a candidate can win outright if they receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary. If you skip voting now, you could miss your chance to weigh in on major local offices like mayor, sheriff and more.

The political leaders we elect this year will guide not only the future of L.A. and California, but also the entire country. Due to our state’s major economic and cultural influence, it’s often said that “as California goes, so goes the nation.” Considering the Golden State now has the fourth-largest economy in the entire world, the decisions we make at the ballot box could even have global consequences. And as public servants, we’re well aware that the laws and policies made by elected officials are not just abstract, faraway concepts. They can have far-reaching consequences for our professional lives, as well as for our families and communities.

Make Sure You’re Registered and Have Your Ballot

Not sure whether you’re registered to vote? You can check your status on the secretary of state’s website or the L.A. County registrar–recorder’s website. If you’re not registered, don’t worry! Although the registration deadline to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for this election has passed, you can still vote in person as long as you’re eligible to do so. Register online and then bring your registration receipt with you to a polling site to cast your ballot, or you can do same-day registration at a polling place, where you’ll vote provisionally and your ballot will be counted after your application is verified.

Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed to all registered L.A. County voters in the first week of May. If you didn’t receive yours, or if it’s been misplaced or damaged, you can visit the registrar–recorder/county clerk’s office in Norwalk for a replacement. You can also, of course, simply vote in person.

Know How and Where to Vote

Voters now have more options than ever for casting a ballot. You can return your ballot by mail as long as it’s postmarked by June 2 and received less than seven days after Election Day. However, note that due to changes in U.S. Postal Service postmarking procedures and a case currently before the Supreme Court regarding ballots received after Election Day, it’s best not to wait until the very last possible minute to drop your ballot in the mail. You can always place it in a ballot drop box (click here to find a drop box near you) or drop it off at any vote center on or before Election Day.

In-person voting began May 23 in L.A. County, and residents can use any official location they choose (click here to find a vote center near you). To save time, you can fill out an interactive sample ballot on your phone beforehand, marking your selections and bringing them with you for reference when you vote.

Choose Who You’re Voting For

LAAPOA has endorsed the following candidates, who have been vetted for their backgrounds and voting records on issues important to our members:

• A. City Attorney: Hydee Feldstein Soto (incumbent)
• A. City Council, District 3: Chris Gaspar
• A. City Council, District 11: Traci Park (incumbent)
• A. City Council, District 15: Tim McOsker (incumbent)

In addition, our partners at PORAC have issued endorsements in a number of races, both statewide and locally. You can type your address into their interactive online voter guide to see which candidates PORAC has endorsed on your ballot.

“It is absolutely crucial for all of us to turn out and make sure peace officers’ perspectives are heard loud and clear on the issues that impact our profession and the safety of the public,” LAAPOA President Marshall McClain says. “Now more than ever, L.A. and California need leaders who understand the realities of law enforcement and will work with us to address rising crime, hold criminals accountable, honor victims’ rights, advance labor protections and protect the communities we serve. I urge each and every one of our members to take advantage of the opportunity to vote for the candidates who will support our mission, and encourage your family members and friends to do the same.”