how do i vote #election2020

 

How, Where, and When to Vote

Find out where to vote in person on Election Day or earlier, and what form of ID to bring. Learn how to vote by mail-in absentee ballot. See who can’t vote. And learn that you can vote for any candidate in a general election, regardless of party affiliation.

Absentee and Early Voting

• Coronavirus and Voting by Mail-In Absentee Ballot
• Absentee Voting or Voting by Mail
• Early Voting

Coronavirus and Voting by Mail-In Absentee Ballot

States are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year due to the coronavirus. Every state’s absentee voting rules are different. Be sure you know and follow the rules for your state if you decide to vote absentee. 

Visit your state election office website or contact your local election officials to find out if you can vote by mail in 2020. Or use Can I Vote to go right to your state's absentee voting page. 

• Each state has mail-in voting, but some allow you to take part only in certain circumstances. 

  • Some states require an excuse for voting by mail. Due to the coronavirus, some states are giving all voters an excuse to vote by mail for certain elections. 

  • Because of the coronavirus, your state may automatically send you an absentee ballot or a form to fill out to request one.

  • This chart summarizes absentee voting changes by state. Many changes apply only to the 2020 general election.

  • For other rules about voting by mail, for out-of-state college students, military and overseas voters, and others, see Absentee Voting or Voting by Mail. 

  • Your state election office and your local election officials have the specific rules for your situation. 

• • If your state doesn’t automatically send you an absentee ballot or a form to fill out to request one:

    • Go to Can I Vote and select your state from the dropdown menu

    • Or use this website to help you complete an absentee ballot request for your state

  • If you’re in the U.S., you must be registered to vote before your state will send you an absentee ballot. 

• • Make sure you follow your state’s deadlines for requesting and returning your absentee ballot. See your state’s absentee voting deadlines. And note the dates for when your ballot must be postmarked or received.  It’s an important distinction.  

• • You might be able to vote in person on Election Day, even if you received a mail-in ballot. Every state has different rules, so check with your state or local election office for the specific procedures. Typically:

    • You’ll take your absentee ballot to your designated polling place on Election Day. Your polling place may change, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Check your polling place’s location before you go.

    • Depending on your state's rules, you might exchange your uncast absentee ballot for an in-person ballot, or complete your absentee ballot and hand it in, or cast a provisional ballot. 

    • If you forget to bring your absentee ballot with you, you may be able to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted once your election officials verify your voter status.

• Check with your local election office to learn about other ways to return your absentee ballot besides postal mail. Some states have ballot drop boxes. Many let you return your ballot in person at your local election office or another location. 

• • In federal elections in the United States, you can't vote online. The only way you can vote without going in person to a polling place is to use an absentee ballot.

  
  

• Do You Have to Vote for the Party You're Registered With?

  Your state may give you the opportunity to declare your political party affiliation on your voter registration card.

  • You do not have to vote for the party you’re registered with, in a federal, state, or local general election.

  • But in a presidential primary or caucus, depending on your state’s rules, you may have to vote for the political party you’ve registered with.

  • States choose a candidate to run for president through primary elections, caucuses, or both. Depending on your state’s voting rules, your state’s primary or caucus elections can be open, closed, or a combination of both. The type of primary or caucus your state holds can affect your voting eligibility:

    • During an open primary or caucus, people can vote for a candidate of any political party.

    • During a closed primary or caucus, only voters registered with that party can take part and vote.

    • “Semi-open” and “semi-closed” primaries and caucuses are variations of the two main types.

    Check which kind of primary elections your state has so you’ll know how you’re able to vote in them. 

  • In the general election, you are eligible to vote for any candidate from any party. It doesn’t matter if you’re registered for a political party or whom you may have voted for in the past. You can vote in the general election even if you didn’t vote in your state’s primary or caucus.