How to Vote Guide

Preparing to vote just got a lot easier!

At last you have the option to skip the long list and take the interactive path. With the new Voter Journey Map, you can create your personalized map to casting your ballot. Try it today!
 

Create Your Voter Journey Map

Get ready with info. Get set by making a plan to vote. Get voting!

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• As a domestic voter
• As an overseas voter
• As a voter with disabilities
• As a a citizen seeking voting rights restoration

• The US Vote's Voter Help Desk is here to assist you
• You can also contact your local election official

• US Vote will guide you through the voting process from start to finish with your personalized Voter Account
• You can privately save your data and save time by generating forms each time you need them with your own democracy dashboard
• Your data is secure and you can remove your account at any time
• You can sign up for voter alerts to find out dates and deadlines so you never miss out on an election
• Voter accounts are safe, easy, and reliable

• Mark the election date on your calendar and check all deadlines
• Make sure you're eligible to vote
• Get your voter ID ready and set a reminder to bring the ID with you when you vote
• Register to vote or check your voter registration status. Make sure your name and address are current.
• Check if your state offers early voting in person
• Check if your state offers early voting by mail
• Find general information about early voting in your state
• Find your polling location and hours
• Plan a date and time to vote
• Map out the route to your polling location
• Decide how to get to your polling location
• View a sample ballot so you are familiar with the instructions and choices
• Remember you can use a provisional ballot if you don't have acceptable ID. This ballot would get counted once election officials check that you are eligible to vote.
• Check out the rules of assistance and the types of accommodations available to you if you have a disability
• Have questions? Contact the US Vote's Voter Help Desk

• Mark the election date on your calendar and check all deadlines
• Make sure you're eligible to vote
• Get your voter ID ready
• Register to vote or check your voter registration status. Make sure your name and address are current.
• Check the rules for absentee ballots or vote by mail ballots in your state
• Apply for your absentee ballot or a vote by mail ballot if you are eligible
• View a sample ballot so you are familiar with the instructions and choices
• Read all instructions on the ballot. You don't have to vote for every office or every question, but you do have to follow all instructions.
• Make a copy of your voter ID or provide your voter ID number as needed
• Examine the envelope or envelopes provided with your ballot. You may have a secrecy envelope and a mailing envelope. Check to see if there are signature, witness or notary requirements you have to follow.
• Schedule a date and time to return your ballot before the election deadline
• If you want to return your ballot by mail:
  • find the mailing address provided with your ballot
  • purchase and affix a postage stamp if required
• If you want to return your ballot to a secure voter drop box, check to see if you have
  • the option in your locality
  • certain hours to drop off the ballot if the drop boxes are inside election offices
• If you want someone else to return your ballot, check the rules in your state
• Check out accessible ways to vote absentee or by mail in your state if you have a disability
• Have questions? Contact the US Vote's Voter Help Desk

• Mark the election date on your calendar and check all deadlines
• Make sure you're eligible to vote
• Get your voter ID ready and set a reminder to bring your ID with you when you vote
• Register to vote or check your voter registration status. Make sure your name and address are current.
• Find general info about Election Day voting in your state
• Find your polling location and hours
• Plan a time to vote
• Map out the route to your polling location
• Decide how to get to your polling location
• View a sample ballot so you are familiar with the instructions and choices
• Remember you can use a provisional ballot if you don't have acceptable ID with you. This ballot would get counted once election officials check that you are eligible to vote.
• Check out the rules of assistance and the types of accommodations available to you if you have a disability
• Have questions? Contact the US Vote's Voter Help Desk

• Your personalized voter account will help you stay current with all the information you need to vote
• You can set up alerts so you never miss an election deadline

• Follow all instructions on the ballot. You don't have to vote for every office or every question, but you do have to follow all instructions.
• Fill out your ballot
• Include a copy of your voter ID or provide your voter ID number as needed
• After you fill out your ballot, sign the envelope and provide other info as required
• Schedule a date and time to return your ballot before the election deadline
• If you want to return your ballot by mail:
  • find the mailing address provided with your ballot
  • purchase and affix a postage stamp if required
• If you want to return your ballot to a secure voter drop box, check to see if you have
  • the option in your locality
  • certain hours to drop off the ballot if the drop boxes are inside election offices
• If you want someone else to return your ballot, check the rules in your state
• Track your ballot through the voting process

• Find your polling location and hours
• Plan a time to vote before the election deadline
• Map out the route to your polling location
• Decide how to get to your polling location
• Make sure you have an acceptable voter ID and bring this ID with you as required
• Remember you can use a provisional ballot if you don't have acceptable ID with you or there is a question about your eligibility. This ballot would get counted once election officials check that you are eligible to vote.
• You have the right to ask for assistance if you need help
• Read all the instructions on your ballot. You don't have to vote for every office or question, but you do have to follow all instructions
• If you make a mistake filling out your ballot, you can ask for a replacement ballot

• Don't forget your voter badge!