California’s primary election is coming up on June 2, and whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned ballot-caster, there’s a lot to navigate. From mail-in ballots to registration deadlines, we’ve got the answers to all your voting questions so you can make your voice heard without the stress.

First things first: everyone registered in California automatically gets a ballot mailed to them. Counties will start sending out ballots on May 4, so keep an eye on your mailbox. If you want to vote by mail, make sure your ballot is postmarked by June 2 and received by your county elections office by June 9. Can’t wait for the mail? You can drop your ballot at any drop box, vote center, or polling location across the state, or ask someone you trust to submit it for you, just make sure they don’t get paid for it.

If you’d rather vote in person, you have that option too. You can find your polling place by checking the Secretary of State’s website, texting “VOTE” to GOVOTE (468-8683), calling the hotline at (800) 345-VOTE, or checking your county’s voter information guide. Thirty California counties offer up to 10 days of early in-person voting, giving you extra flexibility.

Not sure if you’re registered? Head to the Secretary of State’s website and enter your name, date of birth, and either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you need to register or update your information, the deadline to do so online is May 18. If you miss that date, you can still register on election day in person at your county elections office or polling location.

When you get your ballot, you’ll be voting on some major races. This primary is your chance to pick which candidates advance to November’s general election. Thanks to California’s nonpartisan primary system, the top two vote-getters in each race move forward regardless of party affiliation. The big one? The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who’s term-limited. You’ll also be voting on congressional, state legislative, and statewide offices like insurance commissioner and treasurer.

If you mess up your ballot before submitting it, you can get a replacement at your elections office or polling place. If you’ve already submitted it and something’s wrong, contact your county elections office for help. And don’t worry if your ballot ends up in the wrong county’s drop box, it’ll get forwarded to the right place.

One more thing: California requires employers to give you time off to vote if you don’t have enough time outside work hours. Employers must pay for up to two hours, though they can require advance notice and the time off must be at the beginning or end of your shift.

You can track your ballot’s status through California’s BallotTrax tool and vote-by-mail is completely safe. California’s strict verification procedures make fraudulent voting incredibly difficult. Your signature will be checked against your registration card before your ballot is counted, and your actual ballot remains confidential.