What to Expect on Election Day

Before You Head to the Polls

Preparation is key to a smooth Election Day experience. Before you leave home, confirm your polling place location by checking your state or county election website or contacting your local election office. Polling places can change between elections, so do not assume you will vote at the same location as last time. Review your sample ballot online so you are familiar with the candidates and any ballot measures before you enter the voting booth.

What to Bring

Depending on your state, you may need to bring identification to vote. Even if your state does not require ID, it can be helpful to bring a form of identification in case any questions arise. Consider bringing the following items:

• A valid photo ID or other acceptable identification (check your state's requirements)
• Your voter registration card, if you have one
• Proof of address if required for same-day registration
• Notes on your candidate and ballot measure choices (most states allow you to bring notes into the voting booth)

At the Polling Place

When you arrive at your polling place, you will check in with a poll worker who will verify your name and registration. You may need to sign a poll book or provide identification. Once checked in, you will receive your ballot or be directed to a voting machine. If your polling place uses paper ballots, you will be given a ballot and directed to a private voting booth. If it uses electronic voting machines, a poll worker will guide you on how to use the equipment.

How Long Will It Take?

Wait times vary depending on your location, time of day, and overall voter turnout. Midday and mid-afternoon tend to be less busy than early morning and after-work hours. In most cases, you can expect the process to take between 15 minutes and one hour, including any wait time. If you are in line when the polls close, you have the right to stay in line and cast your vote.

Casting Your Vote

Take your time when filling out your ballot. Read each contest carefully and make your selections clearly. If you make a mistake on a paper ballot, ask a poll worker for a replacement ballot. You are generally allowed to receive up to two replacement ballots. You do not have to vote in every contest on the ballot; leaving a race blank (called an undervote) is perfectly acceptable and will not invalidate the rest of your ballot.

Accessibility at the Polls

Every polling place is required by federal law to be accessible to voters with disabilities. Accessible voting machines are available for voters who need them, including machines with audio ballots, large print displays, and adaptive devices such as sip-and-puff systems. If you need assistance due to a disability, blindness, or inability to read English, you have the right to bring someone to help you or to request assistance from poll workers. Curbside voting is also available in most jurisdictions for voters who cannot enter the polling place.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

If you encounter any problems at the polls, know your options:

• Your name is not on the voter roll: Ask to cast a provisional ballot. This ballot will be set aside and counted after election officials verify your eligibility.
• You are told you already voted: This may be a clerical error. Request a provisional ballot and contact your local election office.
• Equipment malfunctions: Alert a poll worker. Backup procedures and paper ballots are available at every polling place.
• Long lines: If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. You have the legal right to vote.
• Intimidation or interference: Report any issues to poll workers, your local election office, or the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

After You Vote

After casting your ballot, you may receive an "I Voted" sticker. If you voted on a paper ballot, make sure you feed it into the scanner or place it in the ballot box before leaving. Do not take your ballot out of the polling place. Once you leave, you can track whether your vote was recorded (in states that offer this service) through your state election office website. Consider sharing your voting experience with friends and family to encourage voter participation in your community.