University of California, San Diego

County election officials have begun mailing ballots to registered voters in San Diego for the 2026 California general election. The mailing marks the start of the state's universal vote-by-mail process, in which every active registered voter receives a ballot ahead of Election Day. Voters can return ballots by mail, drop box, or in person at voting centers.

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.