California 2012 Primary Election Underway As Early Voting Begins

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Monday marked the first day of voting for the June primary election. Ballots for the June 5 contest were being sent out, with mail-in and in-person voting at local registrar's offices available as options for early-bird voters.

One major change enacted for this election: the new "top-two open primary" system.

"One of the things that could happen is that you have two people from the same party going on to the general election," said Secretary of State Debra Bowen. "In the top-two open primary, as its name suggests, the top two candidates advance."

Voters can cast their ballots for candidates of any party. This change is a result of Proposition 14, which voters approved in 2010.

Think of it as a chance to mix and match, said Bowen.

"Choose to vote for a candidate from one party for one office and for another party for a different office."

Two statewide ballot measures also appear on all ballots, along with local issues, depending on a voter's place of residency.

KCBS' Janice Wright Reports:

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