How to Vote Guide

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Ready-Set-Vote Register to Vote & Absentee Ballot Guide

VOTING IS AS EASY AS READY, SET, VOTE!

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

READY: GET MUST-KNOW INFO

- Get the info you need to get started

- Who to call or email if you need more info before you make your plan to vote

- Set up a Voter Account on US Vote to stay informed and ready to vote

  • 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

SET: MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE

- I want to make my plan to vote early.

- I want to make my plan to vote absentee or vote by mail.

  • 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
  • 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

- I want to make my plan to vote in person on Election Day.

  • 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

- I want to sign up for a Voter Account with US Vote to help plan my vote

  • 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

VOTE: CAST YOUR BALLOT

-I am voting with an absentee ballot or with a mail-in ballot.

  • 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
  • If you want someone else to return your ballot, check the rules in your state
  • Track your ballot through the voting process

- I am voting in person during an early voting period or on Election Day.

  • 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

Congratulations! You're a voter.