Guide to the Voting Action Planner Voting is the way we elect government officials, pass laws and decide on issues…

This Guide Shows how to use the Voting Action Planner Teach others to use the Planner with voters Serves as a reminder of how to use the Planner

First Steps of Active Engagement Planning

What I Worry About WRITE DOWN WHAT WORRIES YOU ABOUT VOTING

Who Can Help You Where to get help to vote List people or groups that can help so you can vote

Who You Can Help Help a friend or family member vote Use the Planner to help another person vote

Path to Voting

Requirements Each state has rules about who can vote There are also national rules Usually, you vote where you live

You Can Vote if you are… A United States citizen by birth or naturalization

You Can Vote in Only One State You vote in the State you live in State rules say who can be a voter State rules can also say what you need to bring

You Can Vote if you are… 18 years or older by Election Day

You Can Vote if you are… Registered to vote before or on Election Day

You Can Vote even if… You have a guardian, unless a court rules that you cannot vote

Most Common Ways to Register

Register by Mail Can register to vote by mail in all states The State Insert page explains how and when Get a paper registration form, fill it out, and sign it Mail the form with a copy of your ID or proof of residency before the deadline

Online Some states allow voters to register online Voters may have to enter a State Driver’s License number, State or military ID card number or SSN Register before the deadline listed on the State Insert

Local Elections Office Register in person at the local Elections Office Find out first what ID or other documents you need to copy and turn in Have a voting assistant go with you if you can

Polling Place Some states allow voters to register on Election Day at their polling place Find out what kind of documents you need to bring with you

Registering

Identification Needed to Register Some states do NOT require an ID to register or to vote Other states have their own rules about type of ID or proof you have to show See the State Insert for State ID rules

Choosing a Party Only if your state has a “closed” primary election A primary election chooses one candidate from each party to run in the general election The State Insert says if the voter’s state has closed or open primary elections

Registration Deadline The State Insert gives the deadline for registering to vote Some states will allow voters to register on Election Day at local polling places or at the elections office

Ways To Vote

Absentee Voting by Mail Request an “absentee” ballot, fill in your voting choices, and mail it in before the due date The State Insert has information about voting by mail

Early Voting Vote before Election Day in person at an election office, or by mail The State Insert has information about Early Voting

Polling Places Your Polling Place is a building near your home where people in your area vote in person Polling Places are usually schools, libraries, churches, or recreation centers

Provisional Ballots Used if poll workers are unsure that a voter is eligible Used at polling places on Election Day Voters without the right ID can still vote using a provisional ballot Voters can bring the right ID later to have their vote count

Curbside Voting Voting from a car outside a polling place A poll worker brings a paper ballot or voting machine to the car There is usually a button outside to push for service

When to Vote The State Insert has information about dates and times for voting in person or by mail

How to Vote

Punchcard Punch holes in card to vote Only a few places use these as most are now Paper ballots Insert the card in a ballot box, or a machine that counts votes

Paper Ballot Mark paper ballots with a pencil, pen or marker depending on the type your state uses Insert into one of the ballot boxes

Electronic Computer screen shows a ballot Vote by touching names or items on the screen

Optical Scanner Vote on a paper ballot Slide the paper into a scanner

Help to Vote at a Polling Place

Visual Ballot Machines Instructions and the ballot are displayed on a screen Can enlarge the ballot and instructions to see them better Contrast of colors and print can be changed Usually touch sensitive

Audio Ballot Machines People who are blind can hear voting instructions using headphones People vote by touching keypad Often the same machine as the Visual ballot

Accessible Voting Booths Accessible voting booths are closed on three sides They must be big enough for wheelchairs to fit Provides a private space to vote like everyone else

Poll Worker Provide a ballot Explain the voting process and voting machines Verify that people who want to vote are registered Help in the voting booth if you need assistance

Supported Voting A trusted person who can help in the voting booth Can be a friend, caregiver, family member, or poll worker Can help the voter mark the ballot, but should NEVER choose for the voter

Steps of Voting at a Polling Place

Check In at the Polling Place Voters go to a table where a poll worker looks up name and address Sign in and show ID or other proof of residency Poll worker will show voters where to go next to vote

Cast Ballot The voter is shown to a voting booth and given a ballot In the booth or on the ballot is the list candidates or issues up for vote Choose who you want to vote for Also vote “for” or “against” proposals on the ballot

Recording the Votes Electronic votes are recorded and counted by the voting machines Votes on paper ballots are counted by people

Solving Problems at a Polling Place

Precinct Supervisor A precinct supervisor is the person in charge of all activities at a polling place He/she can assist with problems If you are not allowed to vote, ask to see and talk to the supervisor

Elections Office The voter can insist that the Precinct Supervisor call the Elections Office if there is a problem at the polling place The Elections Office is in charge of elections Officials at the Elections Office will make the final decision

Protection and Advocacy Organizations (P&As) P&As are available on Election Day to assist voters with problems The phone number for the P&A in a state is on the State Insert

Voting Rights Groups Voting rights groups can help voters having trouble at the polls The Election Protection hotline number is OUR-VOTE or

Take Notes Here to Plan to Vote