It’s simple! You are more likely to vote if you make a plan to do it. You want to think through how you’re going to vote, which depending on what options are available in your state could be voting by mail, early voting, or on Election Day. 

Have questions about voting by mail? We’ve got you covered! Check out our full guide on being #MailReady.

If you have the opportunity to vote early, do it! When you vote early:

• You can be more flexible.
• You can schedule voting into your calendar rather than scheduling your life around voting.
• The lines are shorter.
• You come into contact with fewer people.
• You can help reduce crowds at polling locations on Election Day.

Your early voting location may differ from your election voting location. Locate your early voting location.

Some states don’t allow for early voting. Find out if you are eligible to vote early.

Learn more about your early voting options at voteearlyday.org. 

Where you vote is determined by what precinct you live in. Your friend might vote at one polling location and you might vote at another if you don’t live near each other (and even if you do!) Some counties are still finalizing their voting locations, so double check your poll’s address before you vote – it may have changed or moved since the last election. 

Your early voting location will typically be different than where you would vote on Election Day. Don’t get the two confused! 

If you need transportation to the polls, Lyft is offering free rides.

Polling places may have different hours for early voting and Election Day. If you get to your polling place late in the day, the line will likely be longer. Show up early to save time standing in line, and don’t plan to vote after work if your polling place closes early. 

If you are in line by the time the polls close, you can still vote – you have the right to stay in line as long as you need to. 

Bring anything you might need to wait in line — like water, snacks, or a folding chair — and make sure your phone is charged before you show up. 

Many states require state-issued identification in order to cast a ballot. Check to see if your state requires or checks for ID. 

If you show up to your polling place without your ID, ask if you can request a “provisional ballot.” That means your vote will be counted as soon as they can confirm your identity.

 If you are in a state that does not require ID, and anyone challenges your right to vote without an ID, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE or tweet @866ourvote

There will likely be campaign people outside of your polling place. You can generally ignore these folks if you don’t want to take a flyer or engage otherwise. But, if you feel uncomfortable or pressured to vote a certain way, you can call or text 866-OUR-VOTE or tweet @866ourvote to report the behavior.

It’s fun to support your candidate at your voting location, but in some states, you can’t wear candidate merch to your polling place. Check to see if your state has any restrictions for what you can wear to the polls. 

If anything prevents you from voting, you should call, text or tweet 866-OUR-VOTE to get guidance from legal experts about how to move forward. 

After seeking support from Election Protection, you can request a provisional ballot as a last resort if anything goes wrong and prevents you from voting. Provisional ballots are there to make sure you aren’t excluded from the voting process if your eligibility to vote is deemed uncertain. They can also be referred to as “challenge ballots” or “affidavit ballots.”

If you end up casting a provisional ballot, make sure you follow up with your local election office, because in some states, the burden falls on you to make sure your provisional ballot counts like a normal ballot. Here are some reasons you might need to request a provisional ballot:

• You don’t have an acceptable form of ID.
• You forgot to bring your ID.
• You don’t show up on the registration list.
• You showed up to the wrong polling location.

Make sure you follow the CDC’s guidelines for voting in person:

• Wash your hands before entering and after leaving the polling location
• Wear a mask 
• Maintain at least 6 feet distance while in line and in the polling location, even if everyone is wearing a mask
• Bring your own black ink pen 

If you have any special circumstances that aren’t reflected here, check out the following websites to find information. 

• Overseas Voters
• Native Voters
• Student Voters
• Voters with felony convictions
• Voters with disabilities