Make a Plan to Vote This Election Season
We can’t afford another 4 years of the Trump-Pence nightmare. Our health, rights, and lives are on the line.
Trump knows his poll numbers look bad — so he wants to pick and choose who can vote and how votes will be counted. That means it’s more important than ever to turn out — either by voting early before Election Day, or by voting on Election Day before the polls close.
We won't let fear stop us from turning out in record numbers and making sure our votes are counted. The United States has always held elections and upheld the results, even in times of great crisis. We held successful presidential elections amid the Civil War, the Great Depression, and both world wars.
Now it's our turn to prove that nothing — not even this pandemic or a desperate Trump — will stand in the way of our democratic commitment to voting. The best way to ensure your vote gets counted is to make a plan to vote.
How to Vote in Every State
How to Vote in Every State
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Here’s how to make a step-by-step plan to vote in the 2020 Election.
First Step:
Register to Vote
The United States doesn’t automatically register people to vote. See if you’re registered. If you’re not, register now.
When you register online, you’ll need to enter your driver's license number or the last four digits of your social security number. You’ll also need to either submit a photo of your signature online, or print and mail your signed registration form.
Take inspiration from former First Lady Michelle Obama: She called on Americans to vote early, ahead of the election — including voting by mail.
Spread the word… Make sure your friends, families and communities are registered, know their rights and are fully prepared to vote by mail this year or vote early in person.
Michelle Obama
Here are 3 other ways you can register to vote:
In-Person Voter Registration
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
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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.
Same Day
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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.
3 Ways to Vote
1. Early In-Person;
2. At the Polls on Election Day; and
3. Absentee By Mail
If you’re voting early in person, do so today or as soon as you possibly can. And if you’re voting at your polling place on Election Day, try to get there in the morning.
Voting absentee by mail is usually done well before Election Day. If you have a mail-in ballot but haven’t returned it, deliver it by hand or vote in person.
1. Check Availability
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.
2. Find Your Local Election Office
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.
3. Cast Your Ballot
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.
1. Scheduling
On Election Day, what time do you plan to arrive at the polling station?
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Set the time that you need to leave home so you won’t be late.
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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).
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Give yourself plenty of time.
2. Prepping
What personal things do you need to take care of to make sure that you have the ability to get to the polls?
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If needed, ask for time off work.
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If you’re a parent, arrange for child care or plan to bring your child/children with you.
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Prepare to wait in line and bring snacks.
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Don’t forget to wear a face mask.
3. Documentation
What forms do you need to complete and what identification do you need to bring with you?
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Visit Vote.gov to see if you’re registered to vote already. If not, you can register there.
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If you’ve moved, update your voter registration.
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Visit USA.gov/voter-id to find out if you need to show an ID to vote in your state.
4. Transportation
How will you get to the polls?
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Will you get to the polls by foot, bike, car, or public transportation?
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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.
5. Communication
Who might you need to speak with?
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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.
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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.
3 Steps to Vote By Mail
Absentee voting is usually done by mail-in ballot well before Election Day. If you have a mail-in ballot but haven’t returned it, deliver it by hand or vote in person.
Some states allow people who received their absentee ballots in the mail to vote in-person on Election Day at their polling place — either by handing in a completed absentee ballot or exchanging an uncast absentee ballot for an in-person ballot. Ballot drop-off boxes are available across 16 states and available in select cities and counties in many more states. Check your secretary of state or county board of elections websites to see if there are drop-off boxes near you.
When done early enough in the election season, voting by mail is one of the most secure ways to get your voice heard. It includes a paper trail and strong security measures that ensure the authenticity of ballots.
1. Register to Vote Absentee, and Request a Mail-In Ballot as Early as Possible
Some states require a specific reason for absentee voting. Learn what excuse absentee voting means, and see what excuses your state requires.
If you’re a military service member or overseas citizen, use the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s voting assistance guide to see if you need a notary to authorize your absentee ballot. If you’re living abroad and your home state requires a notary, you can get that at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
2. Track Your Absentee/Mail-In Ballot
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 they do, then you can track your vote-by-mail status online.
3. Make Sure Your Ballot Is Delivered
If you see that your ballot hasn’t been counted, check the map to find out what provisions your state offers for lost ballots.
Remember These Dates
Watch the Debates
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Tuesday. Sept. 29: Presidential debate in Cleveland
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Wednesday, Oct. 7: Vice Presidential debate in Salt Lake City
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Thursday, Oct. 15: Presidential debate in Miami
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Thursday, Oct. 22: Presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn.
Celebrate National Voter Registration Day
Help make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote by promoting #NationalVoterRegistrationDay on social media and by volunteering on Sept. 22.
7:00 p.m.: Planned Parenthood Votes Training
In “Disinformation Decoded,” gain critical thinking skills about how politicians and the media frame gender and race. Planned Parenthood Votes and guest speakers from partner organizations will share insights on gender and racial bias — and disinformation — about women and Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) candidates.
Planned Parenthood Votes Training
Mark your calendar for our our Vote Early flagship GOTV event.
Planned Parenthood Votes Vote-by-Mail Event
Sign up now to receive information about the Planned Parenthood Votes “signature” vote-by-mail event.
We Decide 2020
We must come out in full force this election, and we can do that by making a plan and sticking to it. After you write down your plan, share it on social media and encourage your friends to do the same.
Donald Trump and Mike Pence think they can continue attacking our freedoms and keep us away from the polls. We won’t let that happen. This election, WE decide our future.