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Home » DESI VOTE 2026

DESI VOTE 2026

South Asian voices belong in every conversation, including at the polls!

Learn your voting rights, key election dates, and why your vote matters this November.

Election Day Polls Open In…

  
register to vote here
Ballot drop box locator
interactive sample ballot

Important Dates To Remember

September 4, 2026Sample Ballot and State Voter Guide Mailed
October 5, 2026Early Voting sites open
October 6 – November 3, 2026By this date, all counties shall open ballot drop-off locations for vote-by-mail ballots. To find a location, please visit: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/
October 19, 2026Last day to register to vote for the general election. To check your voter registration status, visit MyVoterStatus
October 20 – November 3, 2026Same Day Registration available. Voters can “conditionally” register and vote a provisional ballot during this time
November 3, 2026Election Day – Polls shall be open throughout the state from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Register to Vote

Before you can vote in Los Angeles County, you must register to vote. This is the first step in the voting process. You must be registered to vote at least 15 days prior to an election in order to vote in that election.

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

It’s your vote. Cast it your way! L.A. County offers flexible, convenient options to make your voice heard. 

  • 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.

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.

Visit PLAN.LAVOTE.GOV to find locations, track your ballot, and make your voting plan.

Voting Methods

By Mail

If you wish to use the mailed ballot instead of voting in person, fill it out and mail it back early so that it is postmarked no later than Election Day. You do not need a stamp to mail back your ballot in the return envelope provided.

Dropoff

You may drop off your ballot at any voting location in your county. Your county will also open secure ballot drop-off locations starting about a month before Election Day.

In Person

For voting in person on Election Day, the polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

Voter Rights at a Voting Poll

  • Poll workers usually CANNOT ask for your ID unless your registration specifically requires it.
  • First-time voters who registered by mail MAY need to show ID under federal law.
  • If you’re registered with “No Party Preference” (NPP), you can still vote in certain party primaries that allow NPP voters.
  • Missed the registration deadline? You can still conditionally register and vote in person at a Vote Center.
  • Made a mistake on your mail ballot? You can request a replacement ballot before polls close on Election Day.
  • Need language support? You can bring up to two people to help you vote, or ask for bilingual assistance at the polls.
  • Every Vote Center must have accessible voting equipment for voters with disabilities.
  • You have the right to report voter intimidation, fraud, or illegal activity at or near the polls.

FAQs

Contact us with any questions to be added to the list.

What is the eligibility criteria to vote?
  • You have to be a citizen of the United States
  • Have to be at least 18 years of age on or before the election day
Why should I vote when elected officials haven’t represented me?
  • When South Asians turn out to vote in larger numbers, elected officials spend time learning, understanding and advocating for our needs.
  • Local elections also have many less voters, making your vote on this level more impactful; this level of elections are critical. Local elections change our every day lives; they impact how budgets are allocated, how our elected vote on important issues, and more.
Do I need a California ID to vote?
  • You’ll need a California ID or the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) when you register to vote.

    Once you’re registered, you do not need to show ID when voting at a Vote Center, unless it’s your first time voting.
Where can I find an official Ballot Drop Box near me?
Where can I find a Vote Center near me?
When should I return my Vote by Mail ballot?
  • Return your ballot as early as possible. If mailing it back, send it at least 7 days before Election Day to ensure it arrives on time. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. 
  • You can also return it at a Ballot Drop Box or Vote Center. 
Can I vote at any Vote Center?
  • Yes. You can vote at any Vote Center in Los Angeles County, no matter where you live in the County.
What if I need help voting?
  • Assistance is available at Vote Centers, including language support and accessible voting options to ensure all voters can cast their ballot.
How can I request a replacement ballot?
  • If your ballot was lost, damaged, or you didn’t receive it, you can request a replacement ballot online. Visit LAVOTE.GOV/REPLACEBALLOT by May 26 to submit your request. You can also vote in person at any Vote Center.