How-To-Vote Guide
HOW TO VOTE
STEP 1
Decide
If you want to vote at home or at college. You can consider where your vote will have more impact. You can see how your home and college county voted in prior elections here!
NEXT UP:
Follow the “vote by mail” or the “vote in person” path.
Voting By Mail
This is a general guide, and is only intended to get you started. Different states have their own processes for voting by mail. Use the link to rockthevote.org below to get more specific information on how to vote by mail in your state.
STEP 4
Check whether you need an "excuse" to vote by mail. You can call your local circuit clerk's office to find out. Check vote.org and Rock The Vote to stay up to date!
STEP 5
Request your absentee ballot online, by mail, or by phone (depending on the state). Many states provide an option to be added to a “permanent absentee voter list” so that you are automatically mailed a ballot before each election instead of having to request an absentee ballot each time.
STEP 6
Receive your ballot. Fill it out according to instructions.
STEP 7
Check If you need a notary or witness. It varies by state.
STEP 8
Submit your ballot! Mail it in or drop it off at a voting location. You can buy stamps at the post office.
Voting in Person
This is a general guide, and is only intended to get you started. Use the link to rockthevote.org below to get more specific information on how to vote in person in your state.
STEP 4
Check your voter ID requirements.
STEP 5
Plan if you need to take off work, and let your boss know (in many states, you are entitled to 2 hours)
STEP 6
Find your polling location and plan your travel to it.
STEP 7
Cast your ballot on election day! If you run into any problems, ask to cast a provisional ballot.
The Most Important Part:
Where to Find Your Deadlines
Resources We Love
Rock The Vote
Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to building the political power of young people.
Vote.Org
Vote.Org has an easy-to-use online tool for registering to vote or applying for an absentee ballot. Check out their election reminders and voting information, too!
Steps First-Time Voter Guide
Steps, or Student Training & Education in Public Service, has a guide to help with everything from deciding whether a party affiliation makes sense for you, to an election “glossary” explaining caucuses, conventions, and more.
Students Learn Students Vote
SLSV Coalition Partners support institutionalizing student voting on college campuses across the country.
When We All Vote
Squading up to make sure every single eligible voter is registered and ready to vote for the 2020 elections.
IssueVoter
After you’ve voted, stay civically engaged by tracking what bills are up for vote, letting your representatives know what you think about them, and keeping your reps accountable!
Democracy Works
Democracy Works builds tech tools for democracy. Like, TurboVote, which makes sure you always know when elections are happening, and have the information you need to vote with confidence.
BallotReady
Registered to vote but don’t know anything about the candidates? BallotReady is an online platform that helps voters learn about every candidate and referendum up for election.