Your guide to Election Day: What you need to know before you vote

Election Day is an important part of democracy. Here’s everything you ned to know about what to do.

Before election day:

• Verify your registration: Before election day, make sure you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status online or by contacting your local election office. If you’re not registered, register at the polls.
• Know your polling place: Find out where your designated polling place is located. You can find that here. 
• Review the ballot: You can preview the ballot here. Reviewing the ballot ahead of time can help you make informed decisions when you vote.

Here’s what happens once you get there:

At the polls:

Polling places typically open early in the morning and close in the evening. Check your local polling hours so you can plan your visit.

• Wait your turn: There might be a line, so be prepared.
• Check-in: Show your photo ID to the ballot clerk. If you don’t have a photo ID, you’ll need to fill out an affidavit, and your photo will be taken.
• Registered voters: If you’re already registered, state your name, address, and, during a primary, your party affiliation. The ballot clerk will then give you a blank ballot.
• Unregistered voters:  If you’re not registered to vote, don’t worry—you can register at the polling place on election day. You’ll need to see the supervisors of the checklist at your polling location. Be prepared to provide proof of identity, age, citizenship, and residency. Documents such as a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, or lease can be helpful.
• Vote: In the booth, use the provided pen or pencil to completely fill in the ovals next to the names of your chosen candidates. Be sure to follow the instructions on the ballot carefully to ensure your vote is counted. If you make a mistake, you can ask a poll worker for a new ballot.
• Submit your ballot: After voting, place your ballot in the ballot-counting device (in larger cities/towns) or hand it to the moderator to place in the ballot box (in smaller towns).
• Get your ‘I Voted’ sticker: After submitting your ballot, don’t forget to pick up an “I Voted” sticker. It’s a small but meaningful way to show you’ve participated in the democratic process.

After Voting:

• Watch the results: Once the polls close, election officials will begin counting the votes. In some areas, results may be available the same evening, while in others, it may take a few days.

Additional tips: 

• Accessibility: If you have any disabilities or need assistance, polling places are required to provide accessible voting options. Don’t hesitate to ask poll workers for help.
• Language assistance: If you need help understanding the ballot, some polling places provide ballots in multiple languages or offer translation services.
• Voter protection: If you encounter any issues at the polling place, such as being turned away or feeling intimidated, you can contact election protection hotlines for assistance.