How do I vote in US elections?

The United States of America is a big country and you can have a say in how it's run.

A smiling man asking, 'Where do I begin?'

Discover how to become an active voter and have your voice heard!

Who Can Vote?

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You can vote in federal, state, and local elections if:

You're a US Citizen.
You're 18 years old.
You meet your state's residency requirements.
You're registered by your state's registration deadline.

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Did you know?

You can vote in elections even if you're currently homeless. Check your state's requirements at usa.gov's election office page.

Register to Vote

In order to vote in any election, you must first be registered. You can find voter registration forms at any US Post office, most libraries, and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Voter registration is ALWAYS FREE.
Some states allow you to register online.
It's not necessary to join a political party when you register.

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Find registration info for every state at vote.gov.

Ways to Vote

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There are different ways to cast your ballot, but rules vary by state. Be sure to check vote411.org for information specific to your state.

In-person: Cast your ballot in person on election day. Some states provide early voting. Be sure to confirm what ID, if any, you'll need to bring.
Absentee: You must request a ballot be sent to you. Some states require you to provide a reason for not voting in-person.
By mail: States that use vote by mail systems will automatically send a ballot to all registered voters.

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Quiz

An important special election will be held on July 18. Kris is planning their beach holiday that week. How can they make sure their vote counts? Select all that apply:

Reschedule vacation for a different week

Learn about early voting options

Nothing, 1 vote won't make a difference

Research absentee ballot requirements

Take Action

Congratulations! Now that you know how and where to vote, GO DO IT!

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Learn about absentee and early voting options in your state.

Request a ballot if necessary OR make a plan to vote in person.

Check out this Byte on how to register to vote.