What to Expect When You Go to the Polls
Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of American democracy. Every eligible voter deserves the chance to have their voice heard, free from intimidation, and the confidence that our election systems remain protected from interference. As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to protecting your vote, safeguarding our elections, and defending American voting rights.
This webpage serves as a hub for election day information, so you know what to expect when you go to the polls. Below you'll find local resources and voter best practices, followed by an overview of federal laws that protect you at the ballot box. Please reach out to my office or your local election officials with any questions, comments, or concerns, or to learn more about how you can be an active participant in our democracy this November.
Learn more about your election: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
Voter Best Practices
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Vote early. Whether you're dropping off a mail ballot at an in-person drop box or voting early at the polls, make a plan and vote early.
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Review local election guidelines. Check it once, then check it again. Visit your local election website for dates, locations, times, registration status, and mail ballot request information — then use that information to make your plan to vote.
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Track your ballot. Every vote must be counted. If you voted by mail or absentee ballot, confirm it was received and counted by tracking it through your state election website.
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Tune out the noise. The 2026 election cycle may feel unlike any other, but American elections remain safe and secure. Don't let the news cycle dissuade you from making your voice heard at the ballot box.
Deploying ICE to Polling Places Violates the Law
Federal law makes clear that armed agents and intimidation have no place at the ballot box:
18 U.S.C. § 592 prohibits the deployment of armed federal military or law enforcement officers to polling places:
Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States.
18 U.S.C. § 594 prohibits voter intimidation in general:
Whoever intimidates, threatens, coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote . . . shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
18 U.S.C. § 595 prohibits government employees from using their official authority to interfere in federal elections:
Whoever, being a person employed in any administrative position by the United States, or by any department or agency thereof . . . or by any State . . . in connection with any activity which is financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States . . . uses his official authority for the purpose of interfering with, or affecting, the nomination or the election of any candidate for the office . . . shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
If you witness a violation of federal or state election laws — including armed agents at polling places or voter intimidation — report it immediately to your local election officials. You can also contact the Election Protection Hotline:
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1-866-OUR-VOTE (English)
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1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Español/English)
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888-API-VOTE (Asian languages/English)
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844-YALLA-US (Arabic/English)