California voters have the opportunity to participate in early voting starting on Monday, ahead of Election Day. This initiative aims to ease turnout and reduce congestion at polling stations on Tuesday.
Early Voting Locations and Hours
Each county in California has designated vote centers open for early voting. Here are some key details:
- Los Angeles County: 251 vote centers open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
- San Diego County: 68 vote centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday; open again on Tuesday.
- Orange County: 65 vote centers operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
- Riverside County: 55 vote centers open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
- Ventura County: 9 vote centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
Many other populous counties, including Santa Clara, Alameda, and Sacramento, also offer early voting options. However, some counties have limited availability.
Vote Centers in Smaller Counties
For instance, San Bernardino County has only six early voting stations, operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Vote-by-Mail Ballots
Registered voters in California receive a vote-by-mail ballot. There are several secure methods for ballot submission, including:
- Mailing your ballot with no postage required.
- Dropping it off at a ballot drop box or polling location by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Los Angeles County alone provides 418 drop-off locations. Voters can also check the California Secretary of State’s website for ballot drop-off sites specific to their area.
Mailing Tips and Concerns
When opting to mail ballots, voters should ensure their ballots are postmarked by Election Day. However, recent changes in postal services may delay mail processing. To avoid complications, it is advisable to utilize drop-off options whenever possible.
Common Reasons Vote-by-Mail Ballots Are Not Counted
During the 2024 general election, 122,000 out of 13.2 million vote-by-mail ballots were not counted for various reasons. Here are the primary causes:
- Signature did not match: 71,381 ballots.
- Ballot was received late: 33,016 ballots.
- No voter signature: 13,356 ballots.
Election officials ensure voters with issues regarding their ballots are contacted to resolve signature discrepancies in order to validate their votes.
Plan to Vote Early in California
To avoid long lines and last-minute issues, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting options. Make your plan today to vote early in California and ensure your voice is heard without the Election Day crowds.
