Guide to voting

Voting in person

Most people who vote on Election Day must vote in person at a voting location. When you arrive at the voting location, you will see election workers ready to help you. You will vote by selecting your choices on a paper ballot or by using an electronic device. 

Find your voting location. The opening and closing times for voting locations vary by jurisdiction. Check with your state or local election office if you have any questions about your voting location.

Early voting

Some voting locations are open before Election Day. Check with your state or local election office for early voting dates and rules in your area.

Voting by mail and absentee voting

Some states conduct elections entirely by mail. Others allow you to ask for an absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person or simply prefer to vote by mail. Each state has its own guidelines, so check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail in your state. 

How to return a mail ballot

• By mail: In some states and territories, ballots come with a prepaid return envelope. In others, you need to add postage to your envelope before putting it in the mail. Be sure to completely fill out your return envelope before sending. 
• Drop box or in person: You don’t need a stamp if you return your ballot to your local election office or an official ballot drop box. Many use drop boxes, but their location and availability may vary. Check with your local election office to find your nearest drop box.

Learn about your ballot

Learn how your vote affects your community so you can make an informed decision. 

Many election offices post sample ballots online. Some also provide information online or by mail about candidates and ballot measures. Check your state or local election website for more information.

Voter ID requirements

Each state and territory sets its own voter ID rules. In most states, you must bring your identification to vote in person and provide ID information when you vote by mail. Check your state’s voter ID requirements.

You can get an ID card at your state motor vehicle office, even if you do not drive. You will need to pay to get an ID card, but there are organizations that may be able to help you with ID-related fees.

You do not need a voter registration card to vote.

Language support

If English isn't your primary language and you want to vote in a different language, you can ask for help. Contact your state or local election office to find out what kind of support is available in your language, such as: 

• Voting information and materials (such as ballots) in your language
• A poll worker who can communicate with you in your language (including American Sign Language)
• A family member or friend who can help translate for you at your voting location

Accessibility accommodations

If you have a disability, you have a legal right to accessible voting materials, such as ballots in large print or audio formats. If you are voting in person, you also have a right to accessible voting equipment and an accessible voting location. 

If your state's election website or voting location is not accessible, you have options to request accessibility accommodations. Reach out to your state or local election office if:

• You’re having trouble accessing your state's election website
• You do not have the accessibility accommodations you need at your voting location

If you believe that you were discriminated against based on a disability while voting, report your experience to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Find more in-depth guidance on voting with a disability.

Federal laws protect your right to vote

Learn about the federal laws that protect your ability to vote in the Know Your Rights Voting Guide from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The guide is also available in Spanish.

You can report a complaint to the DOJ if you experience any of the following while exercising your right to vote:

• Someone questions your right to vote
• You live in an area that is required to provide voting materials in certain languages, but don't receive those materials 
• You don’t receive reasonable accessibility accommodations

Learn more about how the government makes sure that your vote is counted accurately. 

Sign up to be a poll worker

As a poll worker, you will be paid for your time. Pay varies depending on location. Learn more about how to become a poll worker.