Election Day is less than a week away, and unless you’ve already voted (in which case, go you!), you need to make a plan for where and when to cast your ballot.
Now, if you need to drop off your Vote by Mail ballot, you can do so at any of the county’s 426 Official Ballot Drop Boxes (find a list here), or at any of the 648 Vote Centers where people will be voting in person. (Both options are available until 8pm on November 5.)
And if you’re voting in person, as of 2020, Los Angeles County moved from a polling place model to vote center one, meaning you don’t need to vote at the option nearest to you, but can show up at any official vote center in the county and make your mark on this year’s momentous election. So instead of heading to your neighborhood church or elementary school, you can choose your own destination and make a day of it.
We’ve combed through the hundreds of vote center locations to find a handful where you can fill out your ballot, then settle in for an afternoon of learning, hiking or shopping in order to take your mind off the stress of the incoming election results—if only for an hour or two.
Many vote centers have been open for early voting since this past Saturday; all of the below options are open this weekend and, of course, on Election Day itself. We’ve included the hours for your reference.
And once you’ve voted, make sure you’re signed up for BallotTrax to keep track of your ballot’s journey and ensure your vote is counted.
Now, go vote!
Hammer Museum
Our favorite free museum in Westwood is once again doubling as a vote center this year. After voting, grab a glass of wine and some charcuterie from Alice Waters and David Tanis’s Lulu restaurant in the museum courtyard, then head upstairs to check out the galleries. Not to be missed is “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice”—specifically its three eye-catching installations of environmental art, one of which houses live honeybees. The show, part of the Getty’s PST ART: Art and Science Collide initiative, was conceived during the pandemic and the social justice protests of 2020—a good reminder of what’s at stake in this election.
Hours:
Nov 2–4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm
Westfield Century City
The shopping destination’s Community Room is an official vote center this year. And after the whirlwind of election season, we’d say some retail therapy is in order. Browse luxury department stores and boutiques, from Anthropologie to Zadig & Voltaire. You can catch a flick at the AMC Theatres or even try your mystery-solving skills at the mall’s Only Murders in the Building Escape Game. End your election outing with gourmet Italian groceries and a pasta and pizza feast at Eataly.
Hours:
Nov 2–4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm
Griffith Park Visitor Center
Tell those voting-reminder texts to take a hike after you cast your ballot at the Griffith Park Visitor Center (located on the eastern edge of the park, near the Crystal Springs picnic area), then take a hike yourself to clear your head. Find a moment of zen in Amir’s Garden nearby, or check out any number of the best things to do in Griffith Park. Cell service is admittedly spotty in some areas of the park—but we’re betting it might do you some good to take a break from checking the election news on your phone nonstop.
Hours:
Nov 2–4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm
Skirball Cultural Center
The Jewish heritage museum’s Herscher Hall will be welcoming voters again this year. While you’re there, check out the museum’s new “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion,” which recently made its U.S. debut at the museum. The exhibition explores the life and work of the fashion designer, known for her iconic wrap dresses—you’ll see several on display here—and philanthropic work. Also on display is “Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time, and Technology,” which displays six tree-ring sculptures and explores the science of tree dating and the complex landscape of Los Angeles—part of PST ART. If you have kids in tow, they’ll love the separately ticketed Noah’s Ark area.
Hours:
Nov 2–4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm
South Coast Botanic Garden
Head to the lush Palos Verdes garden’s Frances Young Hall on Election Day if you find yourself near the South Bay. Afterward you can wander 87 acres of natural beauty, from native plants to a Japanese garden with a koi pond. On exhibit right now is “Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature,” which invites visitors to explore the grounds to hunt down and interact with eight sculptures—including six modern works from LACMA’s collection. Last entry into the gardens is at 4:30pm.
Hours:
Oct 26–Nov 4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm
Hotel Figueroa
The historic Downtown hotel is once again doubling as a vote center, partnering with I Am a Voter, which encourages civic engagement in young and marginalized voters. Built in 1926, the hotel has a rich history of empowering women, having originally been founded as a YWCA women’s hostel. Mark your ballot in the Gran Sala ballroom, then saunter over to Bar Magnolia (open 3–10pm) in the lobby to get 10% off cocktails and small plates with your “I Voted” sticker. The hotel also recently opened Deme, a new Eastern Mediterranean poolside restaurant.
Hours:
Oct 26–Nov 4: 10am–7pm
Nov 5: 7am–8pm