County clerk warns voters: Fresno will use two‑card ballots in June; board approves consolidation request
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Summary
County Clerk James Coos told the Board of Supervisors Fresno will issue a two‑card ballot for the June 2 primary because of long statewide contests and seven superior‑court races; the board approved a consolidation request and Coos outlined voter guidance, vote‑center changes and processing risks.
Fresno County election officials briefed the Board of Supervisors on April 6 about a change to the June 2, 2026 direct primary: every active registered voter will receive a two‑card vote‑by‑mail packet (an A card and a B card) because multiple very long statewide contests and seven contested Superior Court races would not fit onto a single legal card.
James Coos, county clerk and registrar of voters (S7), said the decision was driven by ballot length requirements and legal font sizes. He explained operational implications and gave voters instructions: return both A and B cards in the same envelope when possible because returning only one card completes the ballot and a missing card generally cannot be added later. Coos cautioned voters not to mix another voter's A or B card when families complete ballots together; the county will reject envelopes containing duplicates of A or B.
Key details provided to the board include:
• Ballot types and centers: The county will issue 62 ballot types for this election and operate 54 vote centers countywide. Coos said many ballot types will be identical but rotation and candidate lists vary by precinct.
• Tracking and processing: Mailed vote‑by‑mail packets include unique identifiers and barcodes enabling tracking of ballots and replacement packets; there is no special 'cure' process for two‑card mixups, though elections staff will try outreach where possible. At vote centers, staff will check the top‑right corner of cards to verify presence of both A and B cards without viewing votes.
• Voter education: Coos said the department will send direct mailers, update the voter information guide and post demonstration videos on the department website. He urged voters to carefully review materials and to return both cards if possible.
Board members asked clarifying questions about ballot formats, whether cards could be printed attached and torn, and how the county will notify and assist voters whose ballots are challenged. Coos said vendor and state certifications prohibit connected cards and that staff will endeavor to notify voters of discrepancies before tabulation where possible.
The board unanimously approved the consolidation request for the June election and returned pulled consent calendar items after the briefing.
