How to Vote
Your voter registration card lists the location of your neighborhood polling place. If you've misplaced your card, call your local election administrator to find out where to vote. Or watch the newspaper in the days leading up to the election for a list and/or map of polling places.
If you're unable to drive to the polls yourself, you have several options:
- You can vote by mail.
- You can catch a ride with a friend or neighbor.
- You can get a ride from one of numerous organizations and agencies that offer voter transportation. Call your local election office to find out who is providing transportation in your community.
When you enter your polling place, an election judge will greet you, ask your name, and confirm that you are registered to vote in that precinct. He or she will also ask you to show identification. This can be any current photo ID that shows your name (for example, a valid driver's license, school ID, state ID, or tribal ID) or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, voter confirmation notice, government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.
Next, the election judge will ask you to sign next to your name in the precinct register. A second election judge will give you your ballot and explain how to mark it and what to do with it once you've finished voting.
Then you'll enter a private voting booth to mark your ballot. There's no need to hurry. Take time to think about your choices, and be sure to follow the directions for marking your ballot. If you forget the instructions given to you by the election judge, you'll find them posted in the voting booth or printed in the materials given to you with your ballot.
If you feel uncertain about how to vote, you can visit your county election office any time before the election and get a lesson.
You are not required to vote in every race or on every issue listed on the ballot. On the other hand, if you vote more than once in a race where only one choice is allowable, your vote in that race will not be counted. Be sure you turn your ballot over and check to see whether any races are printed on the back.
If you damage a ballot or want to change the way you've voted, take the spoiled ballot to an election judge and exchange it for a new one. Don't try to erase; with machine-counted ballots especially, erasures may result in your ballot being disqualified.
When you've finished marking your ballot, fold it or place it in the secrecy folder given to you with the ballot so that your choices are concealed. Then hand your ballot to the appropriate election judge.
Toll-free Voter Hotline: 1-888-884-VOTE (8683)
Just as important as voting is being an informed voter. So, before Election Day, take time to learn about the candidates and issues.
There are many opportunities to do so. For months before Election Day, the media will be filled with stories about the election and with advertisements for the candidates. Your mailbox will be filled with brochures and flyers outlining the candidates' views. Some candidates will hold debates, which you can attend in person or watch on TV, and some local candidates may even come to your door to introduce themselves.
A few weeks before every statewide election, you will receive an official Voter Information Pamphlet, published by the Secretary of State. This will provide balanced information about the initiatives and referenda that will be on the ballot.
Once you've decided how you want to vote, you may want to write down your choices and take this list to the polls with you on Election Day.
