A NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE START WITH YOUR ADDRESS

THE U.S. VOTING GUIDE

How do I vote?

Voting is a short process with a few steps. This guide shows you what to do before Election Day, how to choose a voting method, and where to find your assigned location.

Find your voting location Read the guide
Rules and deadlines vary by state. Start with official sources.
How do I register to vote? Vote?
YOUR BALLOT STARTS HERE

A practical, plain-language guide for American voters.

01Register or update your record
02Choose how you will vote
03Find your exact location

BEFORE YOU START

Pick the path that fits your week.

Most states offer more than one way to cast a ballot. Select a path to see the questions you should answer first.

Starting with Election Day? First, confirm your registration and assigned polling place.

Start at step one

THE PROCESS

Voting, without the jargon.

Your state runs its own elections, so the details can change from one place to another. The steps below give you the reliable order of operations.

01GET ON THE ROLLS

Register before you need to vote.

You usually need to register before voting. Registration connects your name and residential address to your local election record.

Start at Vote.gov. Choose your state or territory, then follow the instructions from the official election office.

Every state sets its own registration deadline and process. If you moved, changed your name, or want to change your party registration, update your record before you make a voting plan.

START HERE Vote.gov

Register or update your voter registration through your state’s official process.

Open Vote.gov

Do not wait for a voter card in the mail. Vote.gov says you do not need a voter registration card to vote, though your state may have identification rules.

02CHECK YOUR RECORD

Make sure the details are right.

A quick check can prevent a long day from becoming a confusing one. Confirm your registration before you look for a voting location.

Your name

Make sure your voter record uses your current legal name.

Your residential address

Your address determines your district, ballot, and assigned location.

Your registration status

Check that your record is active and ready for the upcoming election.

Check official voting information
03CHOOSE A METHOD

Decide when and how you will vote.

Your state may offer Election Day voting, early in-person voting, voting by mail, or a mix of these options.

METHODWHAT TO CONFIRMGOOD IF YOU…
Election DayAssigned location, hours, ID rulesWant to vote in person on the main election date
Early in personDates, locations, hours, ID rulesNeed more flexibility before Election Day
By mailEligibility, request date, return rulesPrefer to vote from home or will be away

Vote.gov explains that availability, eligibility, dates, and return rules vary by state. Use the official state or local election office for the final answer.

04KNOW YOUR BALLOT

Look at the ballot before you arrive.

A sample ballot lets you see the offices and questions you will be asked to answer. It also gives you time to research without standing at the voting booth.

YOUR PRE-VOTE CHECKLIST
Sample ballotFind it through your state or local election office.
1

Read the instructions on the ballot. If you make a mistake, ask an election worker before submitting it.

2

Research candidates and ballot measures using more than one source. Official sample ballots show what is on the ballot, not who to choose.

05USE YOUR ADDRESS

Find your exact voting location.

Polling places are assigned based on your residential address. They can change from one election to the next, so check before you go.

LOCATION LOOKUP

Where will you vote?

Enter the basics of your address to build your lookup plan. We do not store your information here.

Your address stays in your browser until you leave this page.

MAP VIEW GUIDE MODE
Election Day Early voting Ballot drop-off

USA.gov says your assigned place is based on your residential address and may change between elections. Contact your state or local election office if you need an accommodation.

06AT THE POLLS

Know what happens when you arrive.

Election workers are there to check you in, give you the right ballot, and explain the process. You can ask questions without asking how to vote.

  1. 01
    Check in

    Tell the worker your name and address. Bring the identification your state requires, if any.

  2. 02
    Receive your ballot

    You may use a paper ballot or an electronic voting device, depending on the location.

  3. 03
    Make your choices

    Read the instructions and take the time you need. Ask for help with the process if you need it.

  4. 04
    Review and submit

    Check your selections, then place the ballot in the scanner or follow the device’s submission instructions.

07KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

You can ask for help.

Federal law protects access to voting. Vote.gov explains that voters may request language support and accessible materials. Contact your election office before voting if you need a specific accommodation.

Read Vote.gov’s voting guide Learn about voting rights
NEED A HUMAN? 866-OUR-VOTE

Call or text the Election Protection hotline for help with a voting problem.

Call 866-687-8683
08COMMON QUESTIONS

Small questions. Clear answers.

Can I vote online?

No. Use the in-person or mail options authorized by your state. Start with your state election office to see what is available.

Do I need my voter registration card?

Vote.gov says you do not need a voter registration card to vote. Your state may still require identification or other check-in information.

What if I moved?

Update your registration with your new residential address. Your address determines your assigned district, ballot, and polling place.

What if my name is not on the list?

Ask an election worker to check your record and explain the options available under your state’s rules. A provisional ballot may be available in some situations.

What if I am overseas or serving in the military?

Use the guidance for military and overseas voters at Vote.gov or the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The process is different from ordinary domestic voting.

YOUR FIVE-MINUTE PLAN

Leave with a plan, not a question mark.

Check each box as you go. The page keeps your checklist in this browser only.

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