Here are some frequently asked questions about election day voting in San Diego County. In order to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen and you must already be registered to vote. There is no same day registration in CA.
For info on candidates and issues on the 2016 general election ballots in San Diego, go here.
OB Rag and San Diego Free Press Progressive Voter Guide here.
When are the polls open?
Polls are open on election day Tuesday, November 8, 2016 from 7am to 8pm. If you are in the line at the polling place prior to 8pm, you have the right to vote.
Where is my polling place?
The Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet you received in the mail from the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters has the polling place info on the back page.
- County of San Diego Registrar of Voters site here includes polling place locations and other general info.
- You can enter your zip code and address at the League of Women Voters site here and receive polling place info.
- California Secretary of State site here
- You can call the Central Library at 619-236-5800 or call or visit your local library
Can I vote at any polling place in the county?
Yes, you can, but there are reasons not to.
- Ballots are not the same throughout the county. If you go to a precinct other than the one you are assigned, only the votes for the candidates and measures on which you were entitled to vote in your assigned precinct will be counted.
- Your ballot will be handled as a provisional ballot. (Provisional ballots are counted.)
- You cannot cast your ballot in a different county.
Do I need a California State ID to Vote?
- If you have voted before and your name is on the roster of voters, no. (Ed. note: You will be asked your name and address; the poll worker will repeat each back to you. Then you sign the roster of voters list. That’s it.)
- If this is your first time voting and you are registered by mail without giving your California driver’s license or state identification number or the last four digits of your social security number, then you may need to show photo identification (e. g. valid driver’s license or state ID) or a paycheck, utility bill, or government document that shows your name and address.
- To be safe, take a photo ID with you to the polls.
- If the poll workers check the roster and cannot locate your name they will assist you to try to find your correct polling location. If you believe you are registered to vote and want to vote at the polling location where you are, you are entitled to a provisional ballot.
On probation or off parole? You can vote in California.
- A misdemeanor conviction does not affect your right to vote. You can vote in all elections.
- If you are on probation or if you have completed your parole, post-release community supervision, or mandatory supervision you CAN vote! (ACLU has more information on this topic here.)
I haven’t mailed my ballot by mail.
Vote by mail ballots must be received by the county elections office by the time polls close at 8pm on Election Day or your return envelope must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Registrar of Voters no later than the Friday after Election Day. If you mail your ballot on Monday, November 7th, there is no guarantee that it will arrive at the Registrar’s Office by 8pm on November 8th. But do not fear!
- You can return your completed ballot by mail in person to any polling place in the County of San Diego or the Registrar’s Office at 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I San Diego on election day.
- You can drop off ballots at collection sites throughout the county.
Regardless of how the ballot is returned, it MUST be received by the county elections office by the time polls close at 8pm on Tuesday November 8.
Can I take time off work to vote?
State law allows voters to take 2 hours off work to vote, without the loss of pay, at an agreed upon time at the beginning or end of the work shift. Click here for more information on time off work to vote.
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