University of California, San Diego

County election officials in San Diego have begun mailing ballots to registered voters for the 2026 California general election. The mailing marks the start of voting under California's universal vote-by-mail system, which sends a ballot to every registered voter. Voters can return ballots by mail, at drop boxes, or in person, with officials urging early returns ahead of election day.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are examining the mental health effects of a device-free camp, looking at how stepping away from phones and screens influences young people's wellbeing. The work feeds into a broader debate about social media and technology use among adolescents, and what unplugged experiences might offer.