Skip to main content
Make Sure Your Vote Counts with Our Top 10 List for Vote Protection.
1/ Your privacy
Your vote is a private matter – your husband, for example, will not be notified. More good news – although there are ways to look up voter records, the records of survivors of domestic abuse are pretty much protected in every state except GA, IL, MI, SC, SD, TN, and WY.
More detailed info can be found in this FindLaw.com article and also on the NCSL website.
2/ Put This in Your Purse
Bring an official photo ID such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military ID or tribal ID. You do not need your voter registration card.
3/ Lost Your Photo ID?
If you do not have an ID at all, you can sign an affidavit in some states – the NCSL website has more specific information about every state and what is needed.
4 How to Remember All Those Names – Without Your Phone
You don’t have to memorize the names of everyone on the ballot. Just jot down notes and take them with you. Typed or written notes on paper can be taken with you and referenced during voting, but a cell phone CAN NOT be used while voting.
5/ Planned to Vote by Mail then Changed Your Mind?
If you requested a mail-in ballot and did not use it, no problem BUT …bring it with you when you vote in person to show you have not already voted The Election Judge will have to destroy the unused ballot using specific procedures.
6/ Running Late?
If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote no matter how long it takes. BUT remember – you must be already standing in line when the polls close.
7/ Made a Mistake?
If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one. It’s OK.
8/ Something’s Broken?
If machines are down at your polling place, ask for a regular paper ballot. This is a major issue — You should only receive a Regular Ballot – not a provisional ballot – if there are issues with machines.
9/ Getting Flak About Your Registration?
If the poll worker says you are not registered or not at the right voting place and you know you are registered, don’t walk away. Talk with the election judge at your polling place and don’t allow potential intimidation to threaten your vote. Do everything you can to cast a regular vote.
If all else fails, ask for a provisional ballot. This means you will have to do a little work after you vote to show you are registered, but your vote should be counted as long as you have registered properly.
10/ Scary Things Happening Like People Shouting or Brandishing Guns?
It is a federal crime to intimidate voters. NO ONE SHOULD Greet you inside the markers. Pay attention to the distance markers– they vary by county. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, report it to the election judge, and if the election judge does not take action, call 1-800-OUR-VOTE.
You do not need to speak English to vote, in any state.
You do not need to pass a test to vote, in any state.
BRING THESE NUMBERS WITH YOU
and use them if you have any problems before, during or after voting!
English:
1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
Spanish:
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
