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Voting in Person

In order to vote in person you need to know where to go and what you need to bring with you.​ In this section you can find your polling place, so you know where to go and you will find out what method(s) of identification you need in order to vote, determine if your state has early voting, and what to do if you encounter problems when you're going to vote, and advice when voting in person.

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Do you know when you're supposed to go vote? Click here to find out when Election Day is.

Voter ID

In some states in the U.S. there is a requirement that you present a method of identification when you go to vote. If you don't, you will have to vote provisionally or not be able to vote at all. In these states, they only accept certain methods of identification, and some states are more restrictive than others, which makes it harder for people to be able to vote.
Know that some first time voters may be required to present identification when they vote for the first time, or when you vote for the first time after changing your voter registration information.
Click here to learn about voting provisionally.

Early Voting

Early voting is when someone is able to vote in-person before Election Day. This has also been referred to as advance voting and in-person absentee voting. People typically will vote early if they will be busy on Election Day, or because it may be quicker by avoiding the lines on Election Day. 

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Each state decides if it will have early voting, and under what circumstances a person can vote early. Be aware that early voting can vary by county within a state, and that a state/ county may have changed their policies since the last election. Contact your county board/ office of elections to get information about how, where and when you can vote early.

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Know that some states use locations to vote early at that may not be where your normal polling place is. You should contact your local board/ office of elections if you have any questions about early voting.

NCSL's Early Voting Map (in person)_edi

What To Do If You Encounter Problems

You have rights when you go to vote, so you have options you can choose from if you encounter a problem when you are going to vote. There are people out there who intentionally make it hard for others to vote so the voter decides that it's too much effort and will just give up and leave, choosing not to vote. Don't let this happen to you. Know what your rights are, what your options are and what to do if you encounter any problems when you go to vote.

Advice When Voting In Person

Here are some tips that you may find helpful as a new or first time voter

 

  • Don’t wear any merchandise that supports a candidate or a political party.

    • In some states this is illegal, and you will be told to go home and change, so it's better to just not wear it. 

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  • Don't be afraid to ask questions.

    • The people working the election are meant to help you, that's why they're there! If you have any questions, or there is something you are unsure about, then ask them.​

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  • Bring water. If you live in a state that has higher temperatures it is smart to bring a bottle of water with you. It might also be a good idea to bring a small snack if you know that you might be waiting in line.

    • Some states have made it illegal for people to give water to people waiting in line to vote, so it's better that you come prepared. 

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  • Know how the ballot in your state works before you go to vote.

    • Request a sample ballot and look at it before you go to vote, so you already know what you need to fill out, and how. 

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  • If possible, have an accepted method of identification with you even if you are voting in a state where you don’t need an ID- it just makes the process quicker and it's better to be safe than sorry. 

    • If you are voting for the first time, bring a method of identification with you. If you have any problems with voter ID, contact VoteRiders and they will help you.

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  • Go to the polls prepared. Contact your local election office/ board of election to ask any questions you have before you go to vote, know who you’re voting for, know your polling place, know your rights and what to do if you encounter a problem, and know if you need a method of identification to vote. 

    • Know that even if you encounter a problem, you can likely vote provisionally. If you’re told you can’t vote for some reason, be sure to ask for a provisional ballot.

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