• Many states offer in-person voter registration at local boards of elections, public libraries, high schools, or other government agencies. About 10 states actually REQUIRE in-person registration, and don’t offer it online.

Voter registration at the DMV should be available in every state. If you’re applying for or renewing your driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles, ask how you can register to vote or update your registration while you’re there.

• In most states, voters must register by a deadline prior to Election Day. But 21 states and D.C. offer same-day registration.
  
  Check your state’s Election Day registration rules, including ID requirements and locations. Some same-day registration takes place at town clerk's offices or other locations, not at your polling place.

Check the chart on Vote.org to see if your state offers early, in-person voting.

The chart shows the dates in which early in-person voting is available. Usually, the early voting period is for a few weeks ahead of Election Day.

Enter your location to find the early voting center in your city or county. The early voting center is almost always located within your county election office. 

Check the operating hours of the early voting center. Mark your calendar and plan a specific time to visit. Give yourself plenty of time.

At your early voting center, check in to vote and get your ballot.

Fill out your ballot and hand it in. That usually involves placing it in a ballot drop box, which is safe and secure.

Some states require a specific reason for absentee voting. Learn what excuse absentee voting means, and see what excuses your state requires.

Mail-in voting tracks ballots from the day they’re printed to the day they’re counted. 

Choose your state on this map to see if your state election or secretary-of-state offices offer absentee/mail-in ballot tracking on a public website for voters.

If you see that your ballot hasn’t been counted, check the map to find out what provisions your state offers for lost ballots. 

On Election Day, what time do you plan to arrive at the polling station?

• Set the time that you need to leave home so you won’t be late.

• Factor in two things: potentially long wait times (especially in the evening), and commitments you have after you vote (which affects the time you need to leave the polling place).

• Give yourself plenty of time.

What personal things do you need to take care of to make sure that you have the ability to get to the polls?

• If needed, ask for time off work.

• If you’re a parent, arrange for child care or plan to bring your child/children with you.

• Prepare to wait in line and bring snacks.

• Don’t forget to wear a face mask.

What forms do you need to complete and what identification do you need to bring with you? 

• Visit Vote.gov to see if you’re registered to vote already. If not, you can register there. 

• If you’ve moved, update your voter registration.

• Visit USA.gov/voter-id to find out if you need to show an ID to vote in your state. 

How will you get to the polls?

• Will you get to the polls by foot, bike, car, or public transportation?

• If you need a ride to or from the polls, arrange that with someone you know or check out a carpool service like Drive the Vote or Women Voters USA.

Who might you need to speak with?

• Make sure to have your cell phone charged in case you need to contact someone while you’re in line. Identify who you’d need to speak with if you’re in line for longer than expected.

• Save the Election Protection hotline number in your phone: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). The hotline has trained attorneys standing by on Election Day who can assist you if an accessibility problem comes up. Call the hotline if you think your rights have been violated or to report any problem with the voting process. 

• Thursday, Oct. 22: Presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn.

Celebrate Vote Early Day by sharing about it on social media and IRL. Learn more at voteearlyday.org.