Know Your Rights

When you go vote you may find unfamiliar voting machines, new ID requirements, etc.

If you have any problems when you go to vote, call 1.866.OUR.VOTE to report your problems and get advice on what to do.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you go vote:

Take ID To the Polls
Different states have different laws on who needs to show ID and what type of ID is acceptable. To be safe, take ID to the polls with you. Take your driver’s license, or a paycheck, utility bill or government document that includes your name and street address. To check on requirements in your state, you can call your election official in advance.

What To Do if Your Name Isn't On the List
Don’t panic if you registered to vote but your name is not on the list. Get help from a poll worker to make sure your vote is counted. You should do the following: (1) check to see if you should be at another polling place; (2) as a last resort, you can fill out a provisional ballot at your polling location.

What’s a Provisional Ballot?
These ballots are intended to make sure that voters whose elibility is in question on Election Day can still cast a vote and have their vote be counted. You would use a provisional ballot if you're having I.D. problems and/or appear to have been purged incorrectly. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that provisional ballots be counted if the voter is eligible to vote by state law, but some election officials have applied standards for counting provisional ballots that are unrelated to voter eligibility. Voting by provisional ballot should be your last resort. The state must notify you as to whether your ballot was counted.

What To Do If You're Confused
Look at the signs at the polling place for directions on how to use the voting machines, a list of your voting rights, and instructions for filing a complaint if your rights have been violated, as well as when to ask for a new ballot if yours is “spoiled.” You can also ask any of the poll workers to help you. If you’re at the wrong place, they should tell you how to get to the right one.

Once You're In Line, You're Good
Once you are in line, you can vote. Just make sure you’re in line before your polling place closes. You probably won’t have to wait too long. Even if the line is long, don’t leave without voting. Remember, this is your chance to make them pay attention to us! If you are worried about long lines, try go to the polls during off hours: 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. Also, if your state has early voting, you can go vote before Election Day. Click here to see if you can vote early.

Check our FAQ page for more information.