How to Vote

Register to Vote

It is important that your voter registration application be filled out completely and be postmarked, submitted electronically, or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before Election Day.

You may register to vote in L.A. County if you are:

  • A citizen of the United States.
  • At least 18 years of age or older on or before Election Day.
  • Not found mentally incompetent by a court of law.

Registration forms are available at:

  • Office of the City Clerk
  • Katy Geissert Civic Center Library and all Torrance branch libraries
  • Other government offices  
  • Online with the California Secretary of State 

Pre-Register to Vote

Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is 18. Instead, it allows eligible Californians ages 16 or 17 to complete the online voter registration form providing sufficient time and opportunity to get ready to vote.

To learn more about pre-registration please visit the CA Secretary of State's website here (opens in a new browser window).

Military & Overseas Voter

A member of the active or reserve armed forces, a spouse or dependent of a person in the armed forces, or a U.S. citizen living outside the territorial limits of the U.S. or D.C. can register or re-register to vote here (opens in a new browser window). 

Voting While Incarcerated

Many Californians incarcerated in Los Angeles County Jails are still eligible to vote. Eligible inmates and inmates released from custody can register to vote here (opens in a new browser window).

Vote by Mail

Mailing of Vote by Mail ballots are mailed no later than 29 days prior to Election Day.

How to Return Your Ballot

By mail, remember no postage is necessary.

In person at any Vote by Mail Drop Box Location.

At any L.A. County Vote Center.

If your ballot is postmarked by Election Day and received within 3 days by our Department we will process, verify and count that ballot.

How to Track Your Ballot

Receive personalized text messages, emails, and/or automated voice messages by subscribing to Where's My Ballot. This is a free service available to all registered voters.

Voters can confirm their ballot was received and tallied through the Vote by Mail Status Tool.

Other Important Information

Request Replacement Vote by Mail Ballot

L.A. County provides full language service and/or assistance in up to 18 languages. Request Ballot in a Different Language by calling the Multilingual Services Program at (800) 815-2666, option 3. 

If the signature on your Vote by Mail return envelope doesn't match what is in the voter registration database, the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk will notify you by mail and ask you to complete and return the Signature Verification Statement.

If you returned your Vote by Mail ballot without signing the return envelope the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk will mail you the Unsigned Ballot Statement asking for your signature. 

Vote in Person

Accessible and safe in-person Vote Centers are available for each election. 

Speed Up Your Check-In

Reduce time checking in at the Vote Center by scanning your Quick Check-In Code! After entering your personal information here your unique check-in code (barcode) will appear under your registration information. Show the code to the election worker at the Vote Center to instantly check-in. Your code is also printed on your Sample Ballot and Vote Center postcard. You may take either of those to the Vote Center as well. 

Early Voting at Registrar's Headquarters

Any Los Angeles County voter may visit the Registrar Norwalk Headquarters to vote early in-person or drop of their completed ballot.

Norwalk Headquarters

12400 Imperial Highway

Norwalk, CA 90650

Voters with Disabilities

All Vote Centers provide tools to make voting a fully accessible experience.

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