Upcoming Gardena Election: Deadlines, Vote Centers, and Ballot Return Information

GARDENA, CA (April 9, 2026) Gardena is preparing for a Statewide Direct Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Voters are encouraged to review voting options early, including vote-by-mail, secure ballot drop boxes, and in-person vote centers.

What appears on the ballot in Gardena

There are five elected positions open in the upcoming election:

Mayor
Two City Council seats
City Treasurer
City Clerk

Mayor is among the offices on the ballot, and incumbent Mayor Tasha Cerda is seeking re-election.

VOTING OPTIONS

Vote by Mail
A vote-by-mail ballot will be mailed to active registered voters.
Vote-by-mail ballots are expected to begin mailing by May 4, 2026.
Completed ballots may be submitted:
By mail (using the provided return envelope)
At a secure drop box
At a vote center
Secure Vote-by-Mail Drop Boxes in Gardena (24 hours)
Voters who prefer to use a drop box can return their ballot at the following Gardena locations.

Rowley Park Auditorium: 24-hour ballot drop box available May 4 - June 2, 2026
Nakaoka Community Center: Drop box accessible 24 hours a day, May 4 - June 2, 2026

Vote in Person at Gardena Vote Centers
Voters who want to cast a ballot in person may visit the following Gardena vote centers.

Rush Gymnasium (11-Day Vote Center)
May 23 - June 1, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
June 2, 2026 (Election Day): 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Rowley Park Gymnasium (4-Day Vote Center)
May 30 - June 1, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
June 2, 2026 (Election Day): 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Amestoy Elementary School (4-Day Vote Center)
May 30 - June 1, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
June 2, 2026 (Election Day): 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Last day to register to vote: May 18, 2026
Those who miss the deadline may still be able to register and vote through conditional voter registration starting May 19, 2026.

OFFICIAL ELECTION DETAILS

For official voting information, including registration, vote center details, and voting instructions, residents can visit the City of Gardena's election information page or the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website. Questions can also be directed to the internet Gardena City Clerk's Office at (310) 217-9565.