Election FAQ

Election Day doesn't have to be confusing! We're answering some of our most frequently received questions on casting your ballot.

Am I registered to vote?

You can check and update your voter registration status at www.VOTE411.org, which has state-specific information about verifying your voter information or contacting an elections official for specific issues. 

What’s my polling place or voting hours?

For personalized info about your polling location, hours, and voting methods, enter your address here. Your polling place information will either immediately appear or a link to your state’s resource will appear.

Will I need ID to vote?

ID requirements vary from state to state. To find out what you need to bring to vote, go to VOTE411.org, scroll to the "explore voting information by state" box, and enter your state. Select “ID Needed for Voting" on the left hand side and get all the info you need!

Can I wear a shirt (or buttons, etc) supporting my candidate when I vote?

This varies by state. We recommend looking up the rules in your state before going to the polls.

I’m having a problem at the polls. What do I do?

If you are having a specific problem on Election Day, call:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE, English only
• 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA, English and Spanish
• 1-888-API-VOTE, bilingual assistance in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi & Bengali); or
• 1-844-YALLA-US, Arabic.

What if I’m still standing in line when the polls close?

STAY AND VOTE. ALL states allow voters to cast their ballot if they are in line when their polling place closes.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

This depends on what state you live in!

Go to VOTE411.org, scroll to the "explore voting information by state" box, and enter your state. Select “ID Needed for Voting" on the left side and get all the necessary info!

Note that you may need to bring certain types of identification to register.

How do I register to vote?

First, check your state’s voter registration deadline at VOTE411.org. If your state is still accepting registration forms for your next election by mail, use the VOTE411.org registration tool to fill out a registration form.

There may be a different in-person registration deadline. If that deadline hasn’t passed, you may go to your local official’s office to register in person.

You may register and vote on Election Day if you live in an Election-Day Registration state.

If the deadline for the next election has passed for all of your options, you may still use the tool to register available through VOTE411.org, but you will not be able to vote in that specific election.

I have a disability; can I request assistance at the polls?

All states offer special provisions for those who are disabled or cannot access their polling place on Election Day. If you cannot attend the polls, but need assistance, you should notify your poll workers about your need to vote successfully.

You can determine who you would like to assist you at the polls – e.g., a family member or a poll worker, etc.

If you are assisting someone to the polls who is disabled, you should confirm the rules with your local poll workers. Different states have different disability provisions, so it is important to confirm these details. No voter should be turned away if he/she is disabled or needs assistance.

Information can be found on VOTE411.org by scrolling to the "explore voting information by state" box and enter your state. Select “Provisions for Voters with Disabilities" on the left hand side to learn about the rules in your community.

Will ballots be provided in other languages?

Only some jurisdictions offer ballots in other languages, while others hire translators to help voters who need assistance. If you do not understand or cannot read your ballot, you can:

1. Notify your poll worker of this issue to see if assistance is available at your polling place; or
2. Call an election assistance hotline (see above).

What should I do if my name is not on the voter registration list?

If you live in a Same-Day Registration state, you can register to vote and vote on Election Day provided you follow your state’s rules.  

To see your state's rules, go to VOTE411.org, scroll to the "explore voting information by state" box, and enter your state. Select "Registration Deadline" to determine if you live in a Same-Day Registration state.

If you don’t live in a Same-Day Registration state, a poll worker should direct you to the correct polling place or give you a provisional ballot. Call one of the election assistance hotlines listed above if you run into any issues.

Will my provisional ballot count?

After Election Day, local elections officials will confirm the eligibility of each voter and count their provisional ballot if it is determined that they are eligible.

In some states, voters must cast their ballots in the correct polling place. Poll workers should provide every provisional voter with a way to learn whether or not their ballot was counted.

Some states may require voters to take extra steps to ensure their provisional ballot, affidavit, or other alternative ballot, is counted. To find out about provisional voting go to VOTE411.org, scroll to the "explore voting information by state" box, enter your state, and select “Provisional Voting."

Who should I vote for/Who does the League support?

The League of Women Voters does not endorse candidates, however we have information for who will be on voters’ ballots. Enter your address at VOTE411.org to find the candidate information available for your area.

The League DOES take positions on some ballot issues/amendments. You can check your state or local League’s website to find information on whether or not the League is supporting/opposing a ballot issue/amendment. The official language of a ballot issue can be found on VOTE411.org.