Election Day is tomorrow! Know your rights when head go to the polls. Voters should: 1) make a plan to vote; 2) know your polling location; 3) be in line before the polls close; 4) bring identification if required; and 5) reach out if there are problems.
Make a Plan to Vote
The Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 state pages have links to state voting agencies as well as some of the expectations for voting. Vote 411, a project of the League of Women Voters also helps voters prepare to vote early or vote on Election Day with helpful information on the rules for a given state. Voters should know about ID requirements in advance. If registering at the polls, voters should find the information on what to bring with them to do so successfully. Voters can also check the status of their registration at state elections agencies through links that are found at the Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 state pages or Vote 411.
Know the Polling Location
Registered voters must go to their assigned polling location in order to vote. Sometimes these locations can change. This year, some voting locations, such as those in schools or senior centers, may have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters should check their registration card to see where they are assigned to vote. Vote 411 has links to state election offices to check voter registration status and many states also list polling locations.
Be in Line before the Polls Close
All registered voters have the right to vote. This year, millions of voters will vote by mail or through early voting. Those who choose to go to the polls in person have the right to vote so long as they are in line before the polls close. Voters should double check the times the polls close and make a plan to get there in time. It is important to inform voters that you can vote as long as they are in line at the time of poll closing. you do not need to be in the building at the time of closure – you only need to be in line. you should not leave the line if asked to do so.
Bring ID if Required
While voter identification laws vary by state, it is important that a voter bring appropriate ID as required to vote. An up-to-date resource on voter ID laws, including how to vote without an ID, can be found on the Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 state pages. Vote Riders is an organization that provides excellent information on identification requirements, also offering free assistance to voters in all states who need help getting a voter ID. They can be reached through the National Voter ID Hotline at 844-338-8743.
Any voter who is not able to vote because they do not have appropriate ID should request a provisional ballot. This will allow you to provisionally cast your vote while they work with election officials to resolve any questions regarding eligibility. Provisional ballots are usually used in the case of a recount.
Reach Out if There Are Problems
If a voter experiences a problem voting, you should call one of the following FREE nonpartisan voter hotlines:
- 1-866-OUR-VOTE
- 1-888-Ve-Y-VOTA (en Español)
- 1-88-API-Vote (Asian multilingual assistance)
- 1-844-Yalla-US (Arabic)
The voter protection hotlines should be used for any voters who experience intimidation or harassment at the polls, if you feel you have been unlawfully denied the right to vote, or if you witness misinformation or violence at the polling locations.
For more information on voter protection and voter suppression, NLIHC’s voter mobilization webinar, Protecting Low Income People from Intimidation, provides important background and concrete tips.