Photo by Ashley Diane Worsham on Unsplash
Election Day is coming up on November 3, but Los Angeles voters don’t have to wait until then to cast their ballots. You can vote early in person, return your mail-in ballot, or drop it off at an official ballot drop box.
Here’s how to vote early in Los Angeles and what to know before heading out.
When does early voting start in Los Angeles?
Early in-person voting begins at select L.A. County Vote Centers on Saturday, October 24. More locations will open on October 31.
Voting hours are:
October 24–November 2: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 3 (Election Day): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can vote at any Vote Center in Los Angeles County, so you don’t have to stick to one specific location.
Where can you vote early in L.A.?
To find a nearby voting location, visit the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website. Check the location’s opening date and hours before you go.
You can also vote by mail
California sends mail-in ballots to active registered voters. If you’ve received yours, you can fill it out at home and return it in its official envelope.
You can return your ballot in three ways:
By mail: Your ballot must be postmarked by November 3.
At a drop box: L.A. County has more than 400 official ballot drop boxes.
In person: Drop it off at a Vote Center or designated election office.
Be sure to sign your return envelope and follow the instructions. If you’re mailing your ballot, it’s best to send it at least seven days before Election Day.
Find drop box locations and other voting information on the official L.A. County election website.
What if you haven’t registered to vote?
The deadline to register online for the November election is Monday, October 19.
If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to register and vote through California’s same-day registration process at designated voting locations. You’ll need to cast a provisional ballot.
Check your registration status or register through the California Secretary of State’s website.
Key dates to remember
October 19: Online voter registration deadline.
October 24: Early voting begins at select Vote Centers.
October 27: Deadline to request a replacement mail-in ballot from L.A. County.
October 31: All Vote Centers are scheduled to open.
November 3: Election Day. Voting centers close at 8 p.m.
For the latest information on voting locations, ballot drop boxes and registration, visit the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website.