Many voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, with an opportunity to vote for president, senators, representatives, and numerous local positions. This year, voting will look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a record number of votes likely being cast before Election Day through early voting and vote-by-mail options. Communities across the country are committed to providing a safe way to vote for all registered voters. Each path is a valid vote—but each voter may only vote once.
To ensure a submitted vote is successfully included in the final tally voters should have a voting plan. There are three elements to a strong voting plan:
Register to vote—or confirm your voter registration. Visit www.vote.org to check on registration states or to register to vote online. It is easy to register, and many people can do this online. Voters must be registered at their current address in order to vote. Voters can confirm their registration and make sure their information is current by visiting their state’s election office. Information about voter registration and links to state offices are available on the Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 state pages. North Dakota is the only state where voters do not have to be registered.
Decide HOW to Vote. Get informed about options for safely voting during the pandemic. Learn more at the state-by-state breakdown pages provided by Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020. This year, voters have choices in how they will vote so that they can stay safe during the pandemic. Voters may be able to vote in person, by mail, or through early voting. Each voter may choose one voting option for casting their ballot. Deadlines and requirements vary by state, so voters need to do their research to see which option they prefer. It is important to be aware of the deadlines for requesting ballots and the location of polling places as these may have changed. Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 state pages tracks much of this information.
Vote! On or before election day, voters should cast their ballots! Voters who choose to vote by mail must carefully follow the instructions on the ballot for how to complete it and return it correctly. Voters who choose to vote in person should bring along their ID where it is required.
Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020, NLIHC’s nonpartisan voter and candidate engagement project, has state-specific facts and resources available to help voters make their voting plan.
For more information about making voter plans and for tips on voter engagement, visit Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020.