Today is the Last Day to Vote. Here's What You Need to Know

November 3, 2020

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The following article was originally published Nov. 3, 2020, and republished through a collaboration with LAist and KPCC.

For up to the minute Election coverage, visit KPCC's LAist and KCET's Vote 2020 websites.

Updated Nov. 3, 2020 at 9:27 a.m.

It's the day we've all been waiting for — Election Day 2020.

If you read nothing else, here's the TLDR:

Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can still register to vote or change your party affiliation. California has same-day registration; just walk into a voting center and you can get it done there.
Vote-by-mail ballots are due today. If you use the mail, your ballot must be postmarked today in order to be counted. You can also deliver it to a voting center or put it in a vote-by-mail dropbox.
If you're a procrastinator (no judgment) check out our voter guide for more FAQ's and info on deciding how to vote in local races.

Voters cast their ballots at the vote center inside Staples Center. | Chava Sanchez/LAist

Los Angeles County is already expecting record-high voter turnout – more than 3 million early ballots have already been cast, and we still have a full day of voting ahead.

But, don't hold your breath. After polls close, the actual ballot counting takes time, and we may not have the full picture for weeks. More on turnout and the ballot counting process here, and more on what to expect about the reporting of outcomes here.

For now, we'll be keeping this post updated throughout the day, so keep refreshing for the most up-to-date information about L.A. polling places, local voter turnout, and the much-awaited early returns (as they come in).

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L.A. COUNTY VOTE CENTERS

One of the big changes with the 2020 elections is the use of larger, consolidated "vote centers" in many counties in place of traditional neighborhood polling places.

All of these polling places voting centers are open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There, you can get help in multiple languages, replace a lost or damaged ballot, and register to vote or make same-day changes to your voter registration.

Again, if you're not registered, you can still do so and vote today (just note your ballot will be cast provisionally) at any of these vote centers:

HOW WE'RE REPORTING ON THIS

Our KPCC/LAist reporters are spread out at vote centers across L.A. and Orange Counties. They'll be bringing us the most up-to-date information from the field. Producers are also making calls and verifying information as we get it. Elina Shatkin, Ryan Fonseca, and Brian Frank will be keeping this post updated throughout the day. Gina Pollack also contributed to this story, and she and Brianna Lee are monitoring social media channels for news and audience questions.

We fact-check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think the L.A. Registrar's Office, the Associated Press, and NPR). In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.