Voting: Fact or Fiction?

 


Sometimes people get turned off from voting because they don't have the right information. Here are answers to some common questions about voting.

Who Can Vote?

  • I just became a U.S. citizen this year.
    Can I vote in this election? Answer
  • Do I have to be able to read and write
    in order to vote? Answer
  • Do I have to speak, read or write in English? Answer
  • I don't have a home right now.
    Can I still register to vote? Answer
  • Can I vote if I have served time for a crime? Answer
  • If I sign up to vote, will I get
    put on jury duty? Answer

Getting Ready to Vote

  • Do I have to study complicated documents in order to vote? Answer
  • Do I have to vote on everything, or can I pick and choose? Answer

When you vote

  • Do I have to go to my polling place to vote? Answer
  • Do I have to bring my ID to the polls? Answer
  • Do I have to vote all by myself? Answer
  • I have a disability. Can I bring an aide or family member in the voting booth to help me? Answer
  • Is voting like a test, or can I bring notes? Answer
  • What if my name is not on the list of voters at my polling place, but I know I registered? Answer
  • What if I make a mistake while I'm voting? Answer
  • Do I have to tell anyone how I voted? Answer
 

Who Can Vote?

I just became a U.S. citizen this year. Can I vote in this election?
Yes! If you become a citizen by the date of the next election, you may register for that election.

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Do I have to be able to read and write in order to vote?
No. You can have a friend or family member help you read the ballot.

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Do I have to speak, read or write in English?
No. In 25 counties, ballots are required to come in other languages. Click the link to download a printable list of counties that offer election materials in different languages. You can also have a friend or family member help you read the ballot.

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I don't have a home right now. Can I still register to vote?
Yes! You can put down a shelter address or a clear description of your location. You do not need an address to vote.

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Can I vote if I have served time for a crime?
As long as you are not still serving time or on parole for a felony, you can vote.

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If I sign up to vote, will I get put on jury duty?
The courts draw names for jury duty from many sources, including the DMV. You are more likely to be called for jury duty because of driving than because of voting.

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Getting Ready to Vote

Do I have to study complicated documents in order to vote?
No! You can get information from the news and from talking to your family and friends. You can also use the Easy Voter Guide.

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Do I have to vote on everything, or can I pick and choose?
Vote as you like! You can vote on just the things that matter to you and skip the rest.

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When you vote

Do I have to go to my polling place to vote?
No. Anyone can choose to vote at home by mail. To vote by mail, you use an "absentee ballot." Click here to learn about voting at home by mail.

In many counties, you may go in person and vote early, starting 29 days before Election Day. To see if you can vote early, check with your county elections office.

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Do I have to bring my ID to the polls?
If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail, you might be asked to show your ID. But most voters do not need to have their ID. You just sign your name on the list of voters to verify who you are.

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Do I have to vote all by myself?
No. You can bring a friend or family member to help you at the polling place. You can also bring your children with you so they can learn about voting.

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I have a disability. Can I bring an aide or family member in the voting booth to help me?
Yes. You also have the right to accommodations that provide you access to vote. For example, you can ask for "curbside voting" so you do not have to leave you car. Check the Voter Bill of Rights for more information.

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Is voting like a test, or can I bring notes?
Voting is not like a test. You can bring notes about your choices into the voting booth. Use your Sample Ballot or download and print a free copy of Vote Notes, and use it to mark down how you want to vote.

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What if my name is not on the list of voters at my polling place, but I know I registered?
You have the right to vote with a provisional ballot. Click here for more information about provisional ballots. Check the Voter Bill of Rights for more information.

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What if I make a mistake while I'm voting?
You can fix it! Ask a poll worker for a new ballot card. Or if you're using a touch-screen or computer, ask a poll worker to show you how to correct your vote.

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Do I have to tell anyone how I voted?
No! Your vote is private. It is also against the law for anyone to force you to vote a certain way.

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