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On Tuesday, voters across the country will choose their next leaders as they cast their ballots in themidterm elections, some of the most important non-presidential races in the U.S.
Voter turnout for the midterms is expected to be higher than ever,especially among young people, and Democrats are holding out hope that they will be able to take back Congress in order to impedePresident Donald Trump‘s agenda.
But of course, before the results can be counted, voters will need to actually head to the polls on Tuesday.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to vote in the midterm elections.
Where do I find my polling place?
If you’re not sure where to vote, don’t panic!
Simply visitVote.org’s Polling Place Locator, and enter the address where you live and are registered to vote.
In a matter of seconds, the site will not only let you know where your polling place is, but it will also tell you the hours your polling place will be open on Tuesday.
What happens if I’m registered to vote, just not at the address where I live?
If you’re eligible to vote, most states will let you fill out a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots are filled out the same way as regular ballots, and are kept separate from regular ballots until it’s determined that the voter is actually eligible to vote or not.
If you have any questions, check in with yourstate or local election office.
What happens if I’m not registered to vote?
While some states, like California and Vermont, allow for same-day registration, many will not allow you to cast a vote if you missed the registration deadline.
To find out more about yourstate’s requirements, or whether you’re registered to vote at all, just visitVote.org
When can I actually vote?
While the hours that polling places are open can vary slightly, polls are usually open between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and close between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
For more information about the exact hours of your specific polling place, visitVote.org.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
Again, this varies from state to state.
While you can go empty-handed in some states, a total of 34 states require voters to show a form of identification in order to cast their votes, according to theNational Conference of State Legislatures.
Some of those states allow you to vote with any form of identification, while some require you to have a photo ID.
If you’ve never voted before, or are unsure what’s required for your state, you can always contact yourstate or local election office to make sure you’re fully prepared.
You can also consult PEOPLE’sSimple Guide to Knowing Your Voting Rights.
How will I know where to go once I arrive at my polling station?
Even if this is your first time voting at your polling station, there should be ample signs — and poll workers — to direct you to exactly where you need to go.
After walking inside the building, you’ll check in with a poll worker, who will direct you to the right place to receive your ballot. There, you will sign a list to confirm that you visited the poll to cast your vote.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! That’s what poll workers are there for.
What happens if I’m not on the list?
A polling worker will help you understand what’s going on and let you know what your next steps are.
If it turns out you’re at the wrong polling place, they’ll help you figure out where you need to go, and if you’re eligible to vote, most states will allow you to fill out a provisional ballot.
I have my ballot — what do I do now?
Should you make a mistake on your ballot, not to worry! Just request a fresh ballot.
Remember, if you have any questions, just ask a poll worker.
How do I send a mail-in ballot?
You can check your state’s requirements atVote.org.
How do I find out about what’s on my ballot?
While some candidates and issues are easier than others to research online, you should be able to find all the information you need with the help of a variety of nonpartisan groups, likeBallotpedia,BallotReady, andVoteUSA.
Simply type in your address and you’ll be taken to a page that explains who the candidates are for each race and what values and platforms they stand for — and against.
The websites will also have information about different proposals that are being voted on in each state.
source: people.com
