Polls in California are open 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Remember, as long as you’re in line before the polls close, you have a right to cast your ballot. So be sure to stay there and vote!
Click here to download this information as a flyer
Spanish version available for download here
Know Your Voting Rights materials in 13 languages available here via Advancing Justice
Voting at the polls:
Voter Identification: If asked to show ID, you should do so. If you do not have your ID, ask to vote a “Provisional Ballot.”
Poll Closing: If you are waiting in line when the polls close at 8:00 pm, you have the right to vote.
FOR PROBLEMS AT THE POLLS Call 1-877-321-VOTE (8683)
POLLING HOURS: If the polling place did not open at 7:00 am or is closing before 8:00 pm
VOTER ID: If the pollworkers are checking every voter’s ID or refusing to issue provisional ballots
VOTER INTIMIDATION: If there are any signs of intimidation, challenging of voters, misinformation, or electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place
LONG LINES: If the lines to vote are long because there are not enough poll workers or there’s a slow response to a voting machine breakdown
SHORT SUPPLIES: If the polling place is running low on ballots, provisional ballots, etc.
UPDATING ROLLS: If pollworkers won’t update the rolls once per hour until 6:00 pm (if possible)
Voting by mail:
Mail-In Deadline: Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 8th (Election Day).
If you still have your Vote-By-Mail ballot on Election Day: You can return it to ANY polling place in your county. A relative or someone in your household can also turn it in as long as that person’s name and your signature are on the envelope.
If you lost or didn’t get your Vote-By-Mail ballot: Contact your County Registrar to request a replacement, or go to your polling place on Election Day and ask to be given a “Provisional Ballot.”
Provisional Ballots
If there is any question about your right to vote, ask for a Provisional Ballot. Insist on voting a Provisional Ballot if:
- Your right to vote is challenged for any reason
- Your name does not appear on the roster at your own polling place
- You are at a polling place other than your own
- You are asked for ID and don’t have it with you
- You didn’t receive or lost your Vote-by-Mail ballot
Each Provisional Ballot is placed in an envelope that must be signed by the voter. They are checked later to ensure you are registered to vote in your county.