Election day is finally here. This is your last chance to cast your ballot for the midterm election.
Over 5.5 million Californians have already voted early. However, there are still nearly 18 million registered voters who could head to the polls today. This massive turnout can translate to long lines at voting centers.
Fortunately, you can avoid the long wait times. Here is how to navigate the polls quickly, plus a few essential tips for election day.
How to check polling wait times
On election day, voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Los Angeles Times notes that the L.A. County clerk’s website features an online vote center locator.
By entering your address, you get a list of voting centers up to 10 miles away. The locator includes current wait times for each specific location. These wait times are color-coded to make it easy:
- Dark green: 15 minutes or less
- Light green: 16 to 30 minutes
- Yellow: 31 to 45 minutes
- Orange: 46 to 60 minutes
- Red: More than 1 hour
- Blue: Wait time unavailable
What if you forgot your ballot?
Don’t panic. You can easily request a provisional ballot at any polling place in your registered county.
A provisional ballot is simply a regular ballot placed in a special envelope. It is officially counted once election officials verify your registration and confirm you have not already voted.
How to utilize curbside voting
All voting centers are required to be accessible to voters with disabilities. They must provide accessible voting machines.
If you cannot reach the voting area due to architectural barriers or physical limitations, you can request to vote curbside.
You can do this from the curb or directly from your car. Simply look for the sign posted outside the vote center. Call the listed phone number, and an election worker will bring a ballot directly to you.
What if you lost your check-in code?
L.A. County officials allow you to check in by scanning your quick check-in code. This number verifies your voter registration.
You can find your unique code on your mailed sample ballot or your vote center postcard. Bring either hard copy with you.
If you forgot them, you can find the code online. Just verify your voter registration on the county website using your last name, birth date, house number, and ZIP code. If you need assistance, you can call (800) 815-2666, Option 2.
What happens if you arrive late?
In California, any voter in line at 8 p.m. is allowed to vote.
When the polls officially close, a poll worker stands at the back of the line. This prevents people arriving after 8 p.m. from joining.
If you arrive after the polls have closed, you will not be permitted to vote, even if the existing line is still moving.
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