County election officials began mailing ballots May 4 for the 2026 California primary election, but that doesn’t mean voters can’t still head to the polls in person.

Some vote centers open for in-person early voting on May 23, and all available vote centers will be open starting May 30. Voters can visit them through the end of Election Day on June 2.

The voting centers are run by the county Registrar of Voters, their staff and volunteers. Here are some answers to questions voters might have about submitting their ballots in person.

How do I vote in person?

Voters can bring their completed mail-in ballots with them to the voting center and drop it off or bring their unused ballot and exchange it for an in-person ballot. If a voter forgets to bring their mail-in ballot, they can use a provisional ballot that will be counted after election officials confirm registration and that it is the only ballot for that voter.

Voters can find their nearest polling place at sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.

Can I wear a hat or T-shirt representing my favorite candidate when I vote?

The state of California prohibits what is referred to as “electioneering” within 100 feet of buildings, outdoor sites or curbside voting center. That includes displaying or distributing “name, likeness, or logo” of a candidate, including on shirts, signs, pens, hats, buttons, stickers and pencils.

These rules also extend to logos, titles, numbers or other subjects related to ballot measures. The state’s election code lists any violations of these rules as qualifying for a misdemeanor.

Can you use a phone in a voting booth? Can you take selfies?

California is one of the states where it’s OK to take a photo with your ballot (completed or not) and post it publicly on social media or elsewhere. However, voters should still be cautious about using cameras at voting centers, where recording video, photographing or otherwise recording other voters entering or exiting a polling place is not allowed.

As for bringing your phone into the polling place, individuals are allowed to bring tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices with them while voting.

Do I need an ID to vote?

Most of the time, you are not required to show identification at the polling place, unless:

You are voting for the first time in a federal election, and you registered by mail. You did not provide your driver’s license number, state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on the registration card when registering by mail.

How can I report any issues I see at the vote center?

If you witness someone violating the electioneering rules above or any other part of the state’s Election Code, you can report it to a local election official or to the secretary of state online at sos.ca.gov/elections/election-voter-complaint-form or by mail with a form available at sos.ca.gov/elections/publications-and-resources/voter-complaint.

You can also call the statewide Voter Hotline at 800-345-VOTE (8683).

What is the deadline for voting in person?

Poll workers will announce that polls are closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone in line at that point will be allowed to vote, even if it takes place after 8 p.m.