Historic L.A. Hotel to Open Its Doors as a Polling Place

The historic Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles will be opening its doors to serve as a polling place from Oct. 30 until Nov. 3, hotel management announced.

The iconic hotel’s announcement comes as questions continue to circulate about the threat of voter suppression across the country, notably among Black and Latino communities.

“Hotel Figueroa is proud to do our part and civic duty by opening up our Gran Sala ballroom as a safe, convenient and accessible place to vote,” Managing Director Connie Wang said in a release.

When it first opened its doors in 1926, Hotel Figueroa operated as a women-run YWCA hostel offering lodging to solo female travelers, many of whom were unable to even reserve a hotel at the time sans the company of a man.

Since then, the hotel has remained an active part of the community’s efforts to end sexism, racism, and myriad social issues that continue to arise. “Within the walls of the Hotel Figueroa, progress was possible,” the hotel website says.

Now, with a presidential election around the corner that many consider one of the most pivotal in American history, the hotel is once more opening its doors as a haven for those seeking to exercise their rights as U.S. citizens.

“As a historic hotel with a near-century-long history of serving our Downtown Los Angeles community—and in honor of the women who fought for suffrage 100 years ago this year—we know the right to vote and participation in the election process is foundational to our democracy. We are humbled to be able to offer a safe space to help facilitate socially-distanced voter turnout and engagement during this historic election.”

Locals interested in casting their ballots at the Hotel Figueroa can do so by visiting the hotel’s historic Gran Sala event space beginning on Friday, October 30.

The polling place will open each day from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., with extended hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

Measures to ensure a safe voting process amid the COVID-19 pandemic will include social distancing protocols, mandatory wearing of face masks, numerous hand sanitizer stations, and an abundance of markers and signs to streamline the flow of voter traffic.

Hotel management confirmed the property’s poolside restaurant, Veranda Al Fresco, will remain open during the voting period for contactless dining and to-go orders.

Visit the hotel’s website or contact the Los Angeles County County Clerk for more information on using the Hotel Figueroa as your voting destination. Or visit the hotel directly at 939 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.