Can I bring my dog to vote? Here’s everything to know about voting in person
The 2026 California primary election is just around the corner.
Voters across California will cast their ballots in federal races and major statewide offices — including governor.
Here’s what to know about going to the polls:
When is Election Day?
The 2026 primary election is on Tuesday, June 2.
When can I vote?
California voters can begin returning their ballots at an early voting site.
While operating hours at early voting sites vary by county, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“No voters who arrive after the polls close may cast votes,” according to the California Secretary of State website. However, voters in line when the polls close must be allowed to vote or drop off a vote-by-mail ballot, the California Secretary of State’s Office said. But those who arrive after the polls close are not allowed to vote, even if people who were already in line are still voting.
At 8 p.m., county elections officials will begin tallying the results.
Can I bring a child or pet with me into the voting booth?
Only one person at a time can occupy a voting booth, unless a voter is accompanied by a child or is eligible to receive assistance, the California Secretary of State’s Office said.
People with disabilities are allowed to bring service animals with them, the office said. Other pets may or may not be allowed at the discretion of election workers.
What can I wear to the polling place?
California bans “electioneering” within 100 feet of a polling place. That includes signs and, yes, hats, t-shirts, buttons, stickers or other clothing promoting a particular candidate or initiative.
You’re also not allowed to ask a person to vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure. Blocking access to ballot drop boxes, handing out fliers or circulating a petition are against the law.
You’re also not allowed to ask other voters about their eligibility to vote.
Are ballot selfies allowed in California?
Although so-called “ballot selfies,” photos taken by voters showing their completed election ballots, are banned in some states, they are legal in the Golden State, the California Secretary of State’s Office said.
But be careful — election officials can limit shooting photos at a polling place if it intimidates or threatens the privacy of other voters, or causes some other disruption.
Do I need an ID to vote?
According to the California Secretary of State, most California voters do not need to show identification at polling places.
However, first-time voters who registered by mail without providing a driver license number, state ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number might be required to show identification.
“In this case, be sure to bring identification with you to your polling place or include a copy of it with your vote-by-mail ballot,” the California Secretary of State said.
Acceptable forms of ID to bring to your polling place include:
- A copy of a recent utility bill
- The sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Official state identification card
- Student identification card showing your name and photograph
How do I find my polling place?
If you’re going to the polls in person, here’s how to find out where to go, according to the League of Women Voters of California:
- Visit VOTE411.org and provide your voting address to find your polling place and other relevant ballot information.
- You can find your polling place location on the back of the Voter Information Guide mailed to you by your county; or,
- Visit the Secretary of State’s website to look up your polling place.
- You can contact your county elections office to find your polling place.
- You can text “Vote” to GOVOTE (468683); or
- You can call (800) 345-VOTE(8683) and choose option 5.
What are the basic steps for voting in person?
Here’s how to vote in person, according to the League of Women Voters of California:
Go to the registration table. Say your name and address and sign the list of voters. A poll worker will give you a ballot.
For paper ballots:
- Mark (fill out) your ballot by following the instructions.
- Tear off the stub at the top of the ballot. You may use this stub later to check that your ballot was counted.
- You will place your ballot in an envelope or folder, or fold it if instructed by your county.
- Cast your ballot by following the procedures required by your county.
- Put your ballot into either a ballot box or a scanner if your polling location uses a scanner.
For touchscreen voting machines:
- Not all California counties use the same type of touchscreen voting machines.
- The poll worker will give you either a unique passcode or a computer memory card to gain access to the type of touchscreen in your county.
- Follow the instructions on the machine.
- If you have questions, ask a poll worker.
What if I have a concern or a complaint?
Speak to the person in charge at the polling place and contact your County Elections Official. To report suspected fraud or misuse of election information, call the California Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683), the League of Women Voters of California advised.
This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can I bring my dog to vote? Here’s everything to know about voting in person."
