SLO County certifies June 2 primary election results; turnout tops 55%

By Staff Report · Tue Jun 30 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder has officially certified the results of the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, completing the final step in the county’s election canvass.

Countywide turnout came in just above 55%, an increase from 48.58% in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, according to election officials.

While most ballots were processed by California’s new 13-day tabulation deadline of June 15, voters were allowed through June 24 to cure missing or mismatched signatures on vote-by-mail envelopes, with those ballots included in the final count once verified.

Over the final days of the canvass, elections staff completed a required 1% manual tally to verify machine tabulator accuracy, along with reviewing provisional ballots and duplicating damaged ballots that could not be scanned due to issues such as stray marks or ink.

“This election was different in that we had the new legally required 13-day deadline for counting most of the ballots,” Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano said. “At the same time, we saw a  change in the flow of ballots coming in because so many people waited to vote just before or  on Election Day. That meant a compressed timeline for processing and scanning many, many  thousands of mail ballots.”

Cano added that despite primary elections typically drawing lower participation, SLO County continued to post relatively strong turnout.

“SLO County continues to rank among the highest in overall turnout, which I think speaks to the  engagement of our voters as well as the faith they have in our local elections processes,” said  Cano. “I’m proud of our voters, our staff, and all of the community members who stepped up  and came together to ensure a successful election.”

Turnout varied by party and region, with Democrats reporting 60% participation and Republicans 59%. Among cities and community service districts, turnout ranged from a high of 68% in Cambria CSD to a low of 34% in San Miguel CSD.

Final results and detailed vote totals are available at SLO County Elections June 2026 Results, with the Statement of Votes Cast to be posted once filed with the California Secretary of State.