MAKE A PLAN AND GET HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT
VOTING IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

Read our list of frequently asked questions below to get all the information you need.

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Voting 101

  • In the United States, voting is how we have a say in who represents us at all levels of government. Individual laws often appear on the ballot as well, which allow voters to inform decisions made in the place where they live – for example, voting for how our tax dollars are spent in our city and state.

  • Naturally born and fully naturalized US citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in federal elections. In some states, non-citizens are able to vote in local and/or school board elections. If you have been convicted of a felony, your voting rights may vary between states, and you can check your eligibility here.

  • Some states require that you be a resident for a certain period of time (often 30 days) prior to an election in order to register to vote. If you have recently moved to a new state, you can check your residency requirement with your state election administrator. If you have moved within your state, you will also need to re-register or update your registration with your new address.

  • Yes. You can find information on how to register and vote if you are experiencing homelessness or if you do not have a permanent address here.

  • In the United States, elections are administered by state governments, not the federal government, so each state controls its own elections and sets its own rules. Some states have home rule, which means that county and city governments can establish their own laws on running elections.

Voter Registration

  • Enter your physical and email address on BallotReady’s website to find out if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, you can get registered in 2 minutes or less! 

    P.S. - National Voter Registration Day this year is September 17!

  • Voter registration laws vary between states, and it often only takes 2 minutes to register to vote. Fill out the form at BallotReady’s website to register today. If you are not yet registered at your current address, the site will direct you to your state’s instructions on how to do so.

    Either be directed to your state’s online voter registration portal (if available) or download a registration form that you can download, print, and email in. BallotReady will share more information on what is available for your own state!

  • Voter registration exists to verify your identity and eligibility to vote in an upcoming election. Fun fact: North Dakota is the only state that does not have voter registration!

  • No. Once you have registered to vote in one location, you will remain registered in that location. If you move, however, you must register to vote again at your new address. It’s always good to check your registration to ensure you haven’t been removed from the voter roll.

  • This decision is up to you! Depending on where you are from and where you go to school it may be easier to vote in one or the other location. For example, if your home state does not have an easy vote by mail process, it may be easier to register and vote with your campus address. It may also be useful to consider whether you feel more personally connected to the political outcomes of one or the other location – for example, if your home state is voting on legislation that matters to you, staying registered with your home address would allow you to add your voice to that political discussion.

  • This depends on the way you want to register to vote and your state. You can always register in-person or by mail with a paper form using your Social Security number (SSN). However, in order to register online, some states require that you have a state-issued ID such as a driver's license.

  • If you’re 18, you’re old enough to vote – but states have different rules on when you can actually register. In most states, you can register if you’ll be 18 by the next election. Others offer pre-registration when you turn 16 or 17. Some states require you to be as old as 17 and 10 months or within 90 days of your 18th birthday. You can find more information here.

How & Where to Vote

  • Your state may allow you to vote by mail. Find out here if you are eligible to vote by mail and submit your request today. 

  • Laws around voting by mail vary from state to state. You can check your state’s requirements here.

  • Enter your physical and email address here to find out what elections are coming up in your area.

  • Lots of states allow you to vote before Election Day. To find out when and where you can cast a ballot, enter your information here.

  • You can make your plan to vote, including where you will vote if you are voting in person, at BallotReady’s website.

  • Some states have laws that require you to present a photo ID in order to vote in person, even if you are already registered. You can check your state’s ID requirements here.

Understanding My Ballot

  • What you’re voting for depends on where you live. You can go to BallotReady’s website and enter your address to see what positions are up for election, who the candidates are for those positions and what their stances are, and what ballot measures (sometimes called ballot initiatives or referendums) will be on your ballot. You may need to check back in a few weeks closer to your election to see if ballots have updated!

  • A primary narrows the field of candidates and determines who will appear on the ballot in the general election. In some states a candidate can win out-right in a primary election depending on the percentage of votes they earn. Depending on your state, your ability to vote on candidates in a primary may require you to be registered with a specific political party. 

  • This decision is up to you! Depending on your state, your ability to vote on candidates in a primary may require you to be registered with a specific political party. In addition, some states don’t require you to register with a political party to vote in non-presidential primary elections, but do require you to register for presidential primary elections.  

Additional Information

  • If you’re at a crowded polling place that could use some snacks. 

    Yes! Pizza to the Polls is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to keep folks in long lines fed. If you see a long line at a polling place, report the line here.

  • Amazing! You can find more information on how to become a poll worker on  BallotReady’s website. 

    P.S. - National Poll Worker Recruitment Day was August 1 & Election Hero Day will be November 4!

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