Butte County voters are about to get double the election mail. This month, every registered voter tied to California’s 1st Congressional District will receive two separate ballot packets, each covering a different race. One packet is a special-vacancy primary to fill the seat left open by Representative Doug LaMalfa’s death, and the other is the regular statewide primary under the new congressional map approved by voters. County election officials stress that the packets are distinct, color-matched to different envelopes, and that putting the right ballot in the right envelope really does matter.
Two packets, clear county instructions
Butte County's voter information guide explains that each registered voter is entitled to both ballots and will receive two separate ballot packets: one for the Congressional District 1 Special Primary Election and another for the Statewide Direct Primary. The guide, compiled by County Clerk-Recorder Keaton Denlay, notes that each ballot is color-matched to its return envelope and warns that voting twice in the same election is a crime. For the county's full instructions and drop-off locations, see the Butte County Voter Information Guide.
Why there are two ballots
The two-ballot shuffle comes from overlapping timelines. On Aug. 4, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation calling a special election to fill LaMalfa’s seat, setting a special primary for June 2. That same day, the statewide primary will also take place under the new congressional map approved by Proposition 50. The governor's proclamation sets the special-election dates, and reporting has noted that Prop. 50s mid-decade redistricting rearranged the 1st District so that some voters' land in both the old and new maps. See the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and coverage from NorCal Public Media for background.
Who you'll see on the special primary
The California Secretary of State's certified candidate list for the Congressional District 1 special primary includes Audrey Denney (D), State Senator Mike McGuire (D), Assemblyman James Gallagher (R), Jot Thiara (R), and Richard Montgomery (No Party Preference). Those names will appear on the special-primary ballot Butte County sends; contests on the statewide primary ballot may overlap or differ depending on precinct lines. See the official candidate list from the California Secretary of State.
How to avoid a ballot mix-up
When your packets arrive, match each ballot to its colored envelope, fill it out carefully, and return each in the correct envelope. The county's election calendar lists May 4 as the first day for vote-by-mail and includes drop-box locations and voter assistance information; if you need a replacement ballot or help, contact the elections office. For county schedules and sample ballots, see the Butte County Elections website.
Mail and drop-off deadlines for June 2 follow standard timelines. If you are voting by mail, watch for the packets in early May and return them promptly. For specific tracking and status alerts, use the Secretary of State's "Where's My Ballot?" tracker or call the county at (530) 552-3400 and the Secretary of State hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.
