There is no automatic voter registration in the U.S. Check to see if you’re registered.

If you’re not, register before your state’s deadline.

How to Vote Early, In Person

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STEP 1

Check availability.

• Check Vote.org to see if your state offers early, in-person voting.
• Usually, the early voting window is a few weeks before Election Day.

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​​​​STEP 2

Find your early voting location.

• Your early voting center is usually in your county election office. 
• Check the early voting center’s hours. 
• Mark your calendar and plan a specific time to visit. Give yourself plenty of time; lines may be long.

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​​​​​​STEP 3

Cast your ballot.

• At your early voting center, check in to vote and get your ballot.
• Hand in your ballot — by placing it in a dropbox.

How to Vote Absentee By Mail

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STEP 1

Register to vote absentee as early as possible. 

• Check your state’s absentee ballot rules and deadlines.
• Request a mail-in ballot, including an excuse if your state requires one. 
• Are you a military service member or overseas citizen?
  See if you need a notary to authorize your absentee ballot.

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STEP 2

Mail in your ballot before the deadline.

• Absentee ballots come in a self-addressed envelope, so you can put it in the mailbox by the postmark deadline.
• Missed the mail-in deadline?
  Check for exceptions: Some states let people who got absentee ballots vote at the polls on Election Day, and some have ballot dropboxes open through Election Day.

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STEP 3

Track your ballot and make sure it’s delivered.

• Online absentee/mail-in ballot tracking may be available.
  See if your state’s election or secretary-of-state office offers it. If they do, then track your vote-by-mail status. 
• If you see that your ballot hasn’t been counted, find out what provisions your state offers for lost ballots.

Make a Plan to Vote at the Polls on Election Day

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STEP 1: SCHEDULING

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

• Figure out what time you need to leave home so you won’t be late.
• Factor in long wait times in case your polling place is crowded.
• Plan to arrive as early as possible, and give yourself plenty of time.

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STEP 2: PREPPING

What do you need to take care of so you can 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 kids with you.
• Bring snacks and water for yourself and your kids in case there’s a long line.

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STEP 3: DOCUMENTATION

What forms do you need to complete? What identification do you need to bring? 

• If you’ve moved, update your voter registration.
• See this map to find out if you need to show a form of ID to vote in your state.

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STEP 4: TRANSPORTATION

How will you get to the polls?

• Will you get to the polls by foot, bike, car, or public transportation?
• Arrange for a ride to or from the polls if you need one.

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STEP 5: COMMUNICATION

Who might you need to speak with?

• Have your cell phone charged in case you need to contact someone while you’re in line. 
• Identify who you’ll speak with if you’re in line for longer than expected.
• Save 866-OUR-VOTE, the Election Protection hotline, in your phone. Call the hotline if you think your rights have been violated or to report any problem with the voting process; attorneys are standing by.

Take Control: Commit to Vote

Pledge to use your voice and vote by Election Day, November 8 — because when we all show up, we can take back power to control our bodies, our lives, and our futures