DOWNEY >> Thousands of voters seeking an early mental release by casting their ballots Sunday needlessly stood in line, when they could go to the polling place exits quickly, a Los Angeles County official said.

Long lines were again reported at the six polling places serving the 5.25 million voters registered in Los Angeles County, the state’s most-populous county.

• Photos: Early voting at North Hollywood Regional Library

At midday, the polling places were clogged with people who had already filled out their ballots, but were waiting in line to personally hand it in and collect their “I Voted” sticker.

Long lines were reported in North Hollywood, West Covina, Culver City, Downey and Torrance, right after polling locations opened at 8 a.m. Sunday.

The only location opened to the public in Los Angeles County Monday will be from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk.

There are 5.25 million registered voters in Los Angeles, 51 percent registered Democrat and 18.6 percent Republican.