Voting can be pretty intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you recently became a citizen, or are a younger adult, you might be especially nervous. However, even if you have been to the polls before, there’s something weirdly too official about the whole process. It’s like going through airport security: intense even if you aren’t carrying any contraband. It feels like all eyes are on you, and if you get it wrong somehow, you’ll get in all kinds of trouble.
Election day doesn’t have to feel like such a big deal, especially if you show up properly prepared. Knowing what to expect, and knowing what you’ll see on your ballot, can help you walk in with confidence. While there are some scenarios where voting actually can get intense, for most people it’s less stressful than the DMV. Here’s what to know and do before Election Day to avoid any last-minute headaches.
1. Know What’s On Your Ballot
Has this ever happened to you: You get so psyched up about voting for your presidential candidate of choice that you completely forget to prep for local elections? You check off that first person on the ballot, but there are 30 more bubbles to fill in, and you haven’t got a clue? Before heading to the polls, don’t forget to research which candidates and issues you want to vote on. Optionally, bring a printed checklist, like this Los Angeles voter guide, or keep a list on your phone.
2. Check Your Registration and Rules
Double- and triple- check to make sure you’re registered in your state and that you have the correct polling location. To confirm your registration status, head to the Can I Vote page on the National Association of Secretaries of State website, or visit your state election site. If you’re not registered yet, you might still have time to register ahead of the upcoming election. Vote.org has a comprehensive list of how to check registration deadlines and register in each state by mail, by phone, in-person, or online.
3. Decide How and When to Vote
Depending on your state and eligibility, you may be eligible for an absentee or vote-by-mail ballot. Deadlines and rules may vary, and in some states you may need to meet certain qualifications. In all cases, mailed ballots must be sent in before election day. You may also be able to vote early in-person, and don’t need an excuse to do so in most states. Confirm your early voting location before you go, as it may be different from your regular polling place.
4. Find Your Polling Place
Knowing the address of your polling place or early voting location is useless if you don’t actually understand how you’ll get there. Search your polling place on Google Maps, and plan out how you’ll arrive on election day. If you’re using public transit, map out a route and ensure you have enough time to get there (check voting hours in advance). If you drive, find out whether your polling place has parking and if you’ll need a backup option in case of crowds.
5. Take Your ID, If You Need One
Thirty-six states have voter ID laws in place, which can unfortunately disenfranchise minority voters. Studies show that these ID laws can disproportionately impact Black, Latino, Asian and trans voters. While you can’t change the law — at least not in one day — you can prepare by double-checking ID requirements. Check state or local election websites to confirm requirements, and call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español) if your valid ID is rejected.
6. Know What Else to Bring (and NOT to Bring)
Besides the required identification, you might also want to bring some other items on election day. If your polling place typically has long lines, you might wish to bring snacks, water, a sweater, or other comfort items. Consider the weather, and if you might need an umbrella, parka, or extra-comfy shoes. Remember that legally, you can’t wear election-related clothing or paraphernalia in certain states.
7. Know What to Do if Your Name Isn’t On the List
In some cases, your name might not appear on the list of voters, even if you are registered. If that happens, ask the poll worker to double check, review any supplemental lists, and confirm you’re at the right polling place. If a poll worker does find you registered at another polling place, you may have to travel there in order to vote. If you can’t travel, or aren’t registered elsewhere, you can ask for a provisional ballot, which can then be verified and counted.
Preparing for the Worst
Even if you’ve done your best to prepare for election day, many things can still go wrong. In some areas, especially if you’re an immigrant, LGBTQ+ person, or person of color, people might make it harder for you to vote. They might ask you about your citizenship or criminal records to try and scare you or convince you to leave the polling place. They might pose as a poll worker and falsely inform you that you aren’t eligible to vote in this election.
If anyone tries to intimidate you or infringe upon your legal right to vote, know that this behavior is illegal. Report it to the election protection hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) and/or local election officials. Remember that you do not need to speak English, pass a test, or have a home in order to vote in the United States. Most citizens over 18 years old, with only a few exceptions, have the right to vote. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.
