Whether you vote early, on Election Day or by mail, your rights are protected by law.
No Intimidation
You cannot be threatened, harassed or coerced at any point in the voting process. Report incidents to a poll worker immediately and call or text the Election Protection Hotline:
1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683 (English) | 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682 (Spanish)
No Discrimination
If anyone tries to stop you from voting because of who you are, what language you speak or your disability, ask for help immediately.
Provisional Ballot
You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not on the voter rolls, your eligibility is challenged or there is a problem with your identification. Do not leave without voting.
Accessibility
Polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities or provide an alternative way to vote. Voters who need assistance because of a disability or inability to read or write may have someone to help them.
Language Assistance
Voters have the right to language assistance, often including translated materials or help from poll workers. Ask a poll worker what assistance is available in your language.
Fix Mistakes
If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a replacement ballot before you cast it.
Secret and Secure Ballot
No one can require you to show your ballot, tell them how you voted or watch you cast your vote. If this occurs, report it to a poll worker immediately and call the Election Protection Hotline.
Stay in Line
If you are in line when polls close, stay in line—you must be allowed to vote.
If something feels wrong, ask for help.
Sign up to be a Democracy Defender
VOTE IN PERSON
Check Your Registration. Before you vote, confirm that your registration is active and that you know your polling place. Polling places can change.
Ensure you have acceptable Voter ID. Identification requirements vary by state.
No acceptable ID? Do not leave. Ask whether you can sign a statement confirming your identity, cast a provisional ballot or take another step allowed under your state’s rules.
Look up your state: tracker.votingrightslab.org
Vote Early. Many states offer early voting, including evening or weekend hours. Dates, times and locations vary, so confirm your options before Election Day.
Find early voting in your state: vote.org/early-voting-calendar
VOTE BY MAIL
Request Your Ballot Early. State deadlines vary. Some states require ballot requests well before Election Day.
Return Your Ballot Early. Mail your completed ballot at least two weeks before Election Day. Use an official drop box or election office drop-off location where available.
Sign the Return Envelope. Missing or mismatching signatures are the most common reason mail ballots are rejected.
Mailing Near Election Day? Do not use a mailbox. Go inside the post office and ask a clerk for a free manual postmark because some ballots mailed on Election Day may not otherwise receive an Election Day postmark.
Know the Deadline Risk. Many states do not count ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received after Election Day. Mail early or use a drop box where available.
Track Your Ballot. Most states offer online ballot tracking. Use it to confirm your ballot was received and accepted.
Ballot Problem? Many states allow voters to fix, or cure, a flagged ballot. Check your state’s rules and act quickly.