It’s Election Day and the Polls Are Open. Here’s What You Need to Know

It's finally here — Election Day in San Diego County.

Here is some key information about voting, how to know whether your ballot was counted and the security of your polling place.

When Do the Polls Open? When Do They Close?

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you are in line to cast your ballot before the polls close, you can still vote; it's your legal right .

Where Do I Find a Polling Place?

A complete list of voting locations can be found through your county's Registrar of Voters. To check the one closest to you , visit the Secretary of State's website.

Where Can I Find a Voting Guide?

Here is a link to Times of San Diego's voter guide , which was published when mail ballots were sent in October.

Can I Still Vote by Mail Instead of in Person?

Mail-in ballots may still be used, but they must carry a postmark no later than Nov. 5, 2024.

Can I Drop Off My Ballot?

Drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. A list of locations can be found at the Registrar of Voters website.

I Am Not Registered to Vote. Is It Too Late?

You can register conditionally and vote at many places in San Diego County. To find a location close to you, check the Secretary of State's website . You must meet the qualifications of a voter: be a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and has not been found mentally incompetent by a court.

Can I Vote If I Register Conditionally?

Yes — but you will be given a "provisional ballot," the provision being that your registration must be confirmed before your vote is counted.

How Do I Know if My Vote Was Counted?

You can check at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov .

How Do I Know the County's Vote Count Will Be Accurate?

"Safeguarding the integrity of every election is paramount to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters' mission," elections officials said.

Among such safeguards , two people are required to transfer ballots from polling places or ballot drop boxes to the registrar's office. In addition, voted ballots are stored in secured, locked areas under video surveillance.

After the election, the staff reconciles the number of vote ballots with records from the polling places.

Can I Be an Observer at a Polling Place?

At the polls, which are referred to as vote centers, people are invited to observe — but there are rules . To name a few, observers can watch all procedures in the voting center and inspect the roster of voters and the street index, but they cannot be disruptive or engage in electioneering — campaigning on behalf of any candidate or ballot issue — within 100 feet of a polling place.

Can I Observe the Count of the Votes?

Anyone may make a request to the Registrar of Voters office to watch the ballots being tabulated, including logic and accuracy testing; processing mail and provisional ballots; the reconciliation process of ballots; and the counting of materials from the vote centers. Like other observation policies, there are some ground rules , including staying home if you feel sick or have tested positive for COVID-19.

What if I See Something Suspicious?

The U.S. attorney's office in San Diego has appointed a district election officer to handle Election Day complaints of fraud, voting rights and threats of violence to election officials or staff. That officer can be reached at (619) 546-6692.

How Was Your Experience at the Polls?

Times of San Diego wants to hear from you.