What is a Vote Center?

The voting experience at a Vote Center is somewhat similar to voting at a traditional polling place; however, there are many more benefits.

You’ll have the opportunity to vote at one of nearly 200 customer service centers located throughout Orange County – options include the opportunity to vote for 10 days prior to any election day, including Saturdays and Sundays.
You’ll be greeted and checked in electronically – with all of your voter data at our fingertips we’ll be able to solve any problems quickly.
Casting a ballot is also quick and easy, plus you can drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any location.

As we make the transition to Vote Centers, we believe that if we offer the best customer service, a smooth process and a secure environment we will meet voters’ needs throughout Orange County.

What Can You Do in a Vote Center?

It’s all about convenience and choices.

Think of a Vote Center as your one-stop location for all things voting. Unlike traditional in-person options for voting, Vote Centers allow you to not only vote, but to solve voter registration issues, register to vote, get a replacement ballot, and get general assistance for 11 days, not just one. Plus, electronic check-in is more secure and speeds up the process – saving you valuable time.

Voting Options

More choices. More options.

Vote Centers mean many more options for voters. Elections are no longer a one-day event. Voting begins the month before any election day when every voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Take advantage of the alternatives available to avoid congestion – from voting at home, drive-thru ballot drop-off, in-person options, returning your ballot via the United States Postal Service, or personally deliver your ballot to us – the choice is yours.

Site Selection Considerations
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to public transportation.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with historically low vote by mail usage.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to population centers.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to language minority communities.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to voters with disabilities.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with low rates of household vehicle ownership.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to low-income communities.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities of eligible voters who are not registered to vote and may need access to same day voter registration.
Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to geographically isolated populations, including Native American reservations.
Access to accessible and free parking at vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.
The distance and time a voter must travel by car or public transportation to a vote center and ballot dropoff location.
The need for alternate methods for voters with disabilities for whom vote by mail ballots are not accessible to cast a ballot.
Traffic patterns near vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.
The need for mobile vote centers in addition to the number of vote centers established pursuant to this section.
Room size and location
Free parking available
Facility availability for multiple days and extended hours, including weekends

Benefits of Vote Centers

When compared to traditional polling places, Vote Centers are the better choice.

Vote Centers are designed to improve the voter experience. While polling places have been a mainstay of voting for many years, the use of them has dropped dramatically in the past 20 years. Voters have gravitated towards more convenience, choosing instead to receive a vote-by-mail ballot and in many instances drop it off at a polling place, rather than vote in-person. Vote Centers adapt to these changes and offer many more conveniences.

Features	Traditional Polling Place	Vote Center
Electronic voting system
Drop off ballot at any site
Disabled access voting
Ballot on-demand
Electronic secure check-in
Provisional ballots nearly eliminated
Trained employees
Vote at any location
Multi-day voting
Reduced costs