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 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-866-687-8683
Take Notes Here to Plan to Vote
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