The ‘sample ballots’ have been received in the mail and many voters are already returning their vote-by-mail ballots, as Stanislaus County prepares for a Statewide Direct Primary Election on Tuesday, June 5.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. for those who will be going to the polls or dropping off their ballots.

Among the local races of interest, incumbent Heath Flora and Robert D. Chase are seeking the State Assembly District 12 seat. Several candidates are vying to fill the seat for U.S. Representative District 10, the seat currently held by Jeff Denham. The incumbent is running as are Virginia Madueno, Josh Harder, Sue Zwahlen, Michael Barkley, Michael Eggman and Ted Howze. Also on the ballot, but having previously withdrawn, is Dotty Nygard. District attorney candidates are incumbent Birgit Fladager, Patrick Kolasinski, Steven O’Connor and John R. Mayne. Juan Alanis and Jeff Dirkse are vying for the position of Sheriff-Coroner.

In the race for Superintendent of Schools for Stanislaus County, Scott Kuykendall, Shannon Sanford and Don Davis are all in the running.

Superior Court Judge for Judicial Office 2 features candidates Carrie M. Stephens and Crystal S. Swanson.

For the State Board of Equalization, District 1, candidates listed on the ballot are Ted Gaines, Connie Conway, David Evans and Tom Hallinan.

In addition to countywide races, there are several Propositions and state races on the ballot.

Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder Lee Lundrigan noted that the canvass of the vote will begin on Wednesday, June 6 and continue on regular business days until complete. Deadline to certify the results is Thursday, July 5.

There are 145 polling sites that will be open across the county for the June 5 primary election.