Where To Vote In Person In California On Election Day

CALIFORNIA — Voting in the November Presidential Election may look a little different this year, with many ballots already cast by mail. But you can still cast or hand off your ballot in person this year — and you can still do it on Election Day.

Dubbed “vote centers” rather than “polling places,” physical voting locations will also be a bit different than in years past.

The amount of in-person polling places in California is limited compared to previous elections, in accordance with a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in August, but some vote centers already opened up as early as Oct. 24.

Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to arrive with a face covering, but those who show up without will be provided one.

Find the vote center or drop box nearest to you by using this tool on the California Secretary of State's website.

Although every registered and active voter in California was already mailed a ballot in October, polling places will still be open for same day voter registration, for those who need assistance with language or disabilities — or for those who simply want to witness the historic election day unfold.

In California, vote centers were required to open as early as Saturday, with some regions opening up earlier.

Some of the first vote centers opened in California Oct. 21; in Los Angeles, hundreds lined up outside the Staples Center waiting to vote in person.

SEE ALSO: Counting Votes On Election Day: What To Expect In California

In California, more than 21 million ballots were mailed to voters, and well over 11 million ballots have already been cast in this historic election.

All of these changes to voting in California this year are to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Vote center volunteers and employees are required to space voting booths apart, sanitize surfaces and encourage those waiting in line to socially distance.

More election coverage in California: CA Elections 2020