As Election Day approaches, voters all over the nation are getting ready to head to the polls. Yet there are a few key steps you’ll need to take before getting that “I voted” sticker—here’s what you need to know.
Election Day
Election Day this year is Tuesday, Nov. 5. You’ll most likely need identification to vote, and voter ID laws differ by state. Your state may require a photo ID like a passport, driver’s license, or state ID. They may also need your birth certificate or social security card. You can check what type of identification you’ll need online.
In Massachusetts, you’ll need your ID if you’re voting for the first time. If you forget to bring it, however, you’ll still be able to cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if you return with identification before the polls close. Read more about identification requirements in Massachusetts on its website.
When you arrive at your assigned voting location, election workers will be ready to assist you. You’ll most likely vote by either marking your choice on a paper ballot or using an electronic device—go along with how you’re guided, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before you vote!
Registering to vote
All U.S. citizens who are aged 18 either before or on Election Day and not incarcerated for a felony are eligible to vote. To do so, you need to be registered. The voter registration deadline is 10 days before any election: Saturday, Oct. 26. It’s not too late to register to vote, so go ahead and register if you haven’t already!
You can register online if you have a state-issued ID through a mail-in voter registration form to be sent to your local election office (postmarked by the registration deadline), or in person at state and local election offices or your state motor vehicles office. If you’re registering for the first time, you may need to include a copy of identification that shows your name and address on your form through mail or bring identification with you if you will vote in person. Make sure to check your state’s requirements.
If you’re out of state, you can opt in to register in Massachusetts if you are eligible—your address can be your college/dorm—to vote here; if not, you’ll have to either mail in or return to your registered state to vote.
To check your registration status and information on your assigned location, you can visit nass.org/can-I-vote.
Absentee voting or vote-by-mail
Some states will allow voters to cast their ballot through mail if circumstances call for it. Some states also offer vote-by-mail or all-mail programs, in which they send ballots to registered voters automatically before Election Day. The rules and deadlines on absentee voting or mail-in ballots differ greatly from state to state, so make sure to check. You can find information on your state’s rules online.
Early voting
If you won’t be able to vote on Election Day, many states also offer early voting, usually in person. In most states, you won’t need an excuse to vote early as long as you vote within the designated time frame. However, some states will require you to request an absentee ballot to vote early, so make sure to check.
In Massachusetts, early voting is permitted from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1. You can vote early both in person or through mail. You’ll be able to see where to vote by either checking your registration information or online.
Accessibility and accommodations
If English isn’t your primary language, you can contact your state or local election office to see what support is available. Most forms online will have multiple language options. Ballots may also be translated. At polling stations, there will be workers who can communicate with you in your preferred language. You can also bring a friend or family member to translate for you at the voting location.
If you have a disability, you have a right to accessible voting like large-print or audio ballots and accessible locations and voting equipment. If you find that your state’s voting website, location, methods, etc. are not accessible, you will be able to request accommodations by reaching out to your state or local election office to learn more about what can be done.
If you have been discriminated against based on language, disability, etc., report the experience to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a civil rights violation.
Casting your vote
Make sure to read up on the candidates that may appear on the ballot. Your ballot may differ in candidates depending on the state as they might qualify in one state but not the other.
In general, the running candidates currently are:
- Kamala Harris, with running mate Tim Walz (Democrat)
- Donald J. Trump, with running mate J.D. Vance (Republican)
- Cornel West, with running mate Melina Abdullah (Independent)
- Jill Stein, with an undetermined running mate (Green Party)
- Chase Oliver, with running mate Mike ter Maat (Libertarian Party)
You’ll need to give a “yes” or “no” for specific questions related to law as well. You may be able to view a sample of your state’s voting ballot online to prepare in advance. This presidential election is one that will decide the future of the U.S. for the next four years and more to come. Register, research, and vote—each vote counts.
