US ELECTION 2024

Where do I vote in California in the US Election 2024? Requirements, ID card and how to find the polling place

Everything you need to know when voting in California about polling hours, required documents, wait times, to ensure you navigate Election Day with ease.

Update: Nov 5th, 2024 06:02 EST

With the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election here on November 5, it’s essential for California voters to know where to go, what to bring, and what’s required to cast their vote. Here’s a guide on finding your polling place, ID requirements, and tips to make your voting experience smooth and efficient.

Finding your Polling Place in California

Your polling place is determined by your residential address. To locate it:

Enter your address into the California Secretary of State’s Polling Place Lookup.

You can also contact your county election officials for specific information.

Polling hours in California

On Election Day, polling places in California open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you’ll be allowed to cast your vote, even if it takes additional time to reach the voting booth.

What to bring to vote in California

In California, you are required to show a valid photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:

Current and valid photo identification provided by a third party in the ordinary course of business that includes the name and photograph of the individual presenting it. Examples of photo identification include, but are not limited to, the following documents:

driver's license or identification card of any state
passport
employee identification card
identification card provided by a commercial establishment
credit or debit card
military identification card
student identification card
health club identification card
insurance plan identification card
public housing identification card

Make sure your ID is current and not expired, as this is required for it to be accepted.

If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you can obtain a free photo voter ID card from your local county Board of Registrars office or a mobile ID unit. It’s a good idea to check that you have the necessary ID ahead of Election Day to avoid any last-minute issues at the polls.

Expected wait times and tips for a smooth voting experience

Line lengths can vary depending on the time of day and the location. Here’s a general guide:

Early Morning (7 a.m. - 9 a.m.): Many people vote early, so lines can be longer right when polling places open. If you can, avoid the 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. slot.

Midday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Lines are often shorter, as this period sees fewer voters. If you have a flexible schedule, this is usually the best time to avoid long waits. That said, there is usually an increase between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. so if you can avoid that two hour slot.

Late Afternoon and Evening (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Crowds tend to increase as people leave work, so lines can grow longer as polling places near closing. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is usually the busiest.

To make your voting experience easier:

Bring water, snacks, and any needed medication if you anticipate waiting for a while.
Check your polling location ahead of time; it may have changed from previous elections.
Review your sample ballot before you go to save time when filling out your selections.

Other useful information for California voters

The deadlines to register for absentee voting have now passed.

Absentee (Vote-by-Mail) Ballots:

Submission Deadline: Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, November 5, 2024, and received by your county elections office no later than November 12, 2024.

Return Methods:

By Mail: Ensure your ballot is postmarked by November 5, 2024.

In Person: Deliver your ballot to your county elections office, any polling place, or a ballot drop-off location in California by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

Provisional Ballots: If there’s an issue with your registration or ID, you may be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. These ballots are only counted once your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Hotline: California’ Secretary of State office provides assistance via a voter hotline. Call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) if you have any questions or concerns on Election Day.

Key takeaways for voting in California on Election Day

To ensure you’re prepared for voting in the 2024 Presidential Election in California:

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling station.
Choose a voting time based on expected crowd levels.
Plan for potential wait times and bring any essentials you may need.
Check the status of your registration and polling location before you head out.