PUBLIC NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT PROCESSING As per Elections Code § 15104, the Registrar of Voters hereby notifies all interested organizations that the verifying of signatures on vote by mail ballots cast for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election will commence on May 6, 2026, or at any time thereafter, in the Merced County Elections Central Count Facility, 250 E. 15th Street, Merced, CA. Starting May 7, 2026, or at any time thereafter, the opening and processing of vote by mail ballots will commence. This process will continue until all election results are tabulated and the election is certified. Any member of the county grand jury, and any other interested organization, shall be permitted to observe and challenge the manner in which the vote by mail ballots are handled, from the processing of ballot return envelopes through the opening, counting and disposition of the ballots. To register as an observer, call the Elections Office at (209) 385-7541. Dated: April 24, 2026 MELVIN E. LEVEY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS By: Melvin E. Levey Registrar of Voters IPL0334897 Apr 29 2026