How, When, and Where to Vote
The next presidential election will be on November 5, 2024.
But the dates of other elections can vary.
Find Out When to Vote
Find your state and get a list of dates to vote absentee or in person in federal, state, and local elections. And find out your state's voter registration deadline.
Voting on Election Day
Voter ID requirements
Each state sets its own voter ID rules. And most require voters to bring identification to vote in person. Know the voter ID laws in your state before going to the polls.
Find out what ID your state requires you to bring when you vote.
Find your polling place
Your polling place is where you go to vote in local, state, and federal elections. Find out where yours is located, its hours, and if you can change your polling place.
Find your polling place by checking your voter registration.
Can you vote online?
No. In federal elections in the U.S., you cannot vote online.
Absentee Voting and Voting by Mail
States allow voters who cannot or do not want to vote in person to cast mail-in or drop off ballots through absentee voting or vote-by-mail programs.
Absentee voting
Although most states have absentee voting, deadlines and rules on who can take part vary. Some states require an excuse to vote absentee. Others do not. In most states, you will need to request an absentee ballot to vote in each election. But in some states, you may qualify to sign up to receive absentee ballots for every election. Learn if your state offers permanent absentee voting.
Vote-by-mail
Instead of absentee voting programs, some states offer vote-by-mail (also known as all-mail) programs. They automatically send ballots to all registered voters in the state before Election Day. See which states offer vote-by-mail programs.
Who Can Vote? Who Cannot Vote?
Who can vote?
You can vote in U.S. federal, state, and local elections if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen (some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only)
- Meet your state’s residency requirements. You can be experiencing homelessness and still meet these requirements.
- Are 18 years old on or before Election Day. In almost every state, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day. Some states allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by Election Day to vote in primaries.
- Are registered to vote by your state's voter registration deadline. North Dakota does not require voter registration.
Who cannot vote?
- Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections.
- Some people cannot vote after being convicted of a felony or if they are currently serving time for other types of crimes. Rules are different in each state. Check this guide from the Department of Justice to understand the laws in your state.
- Some people who have a mental disability may not be able to vote. Learn about your voting rights. Rules vary by state. U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories cannot vote for president in the general election.
Check with your state or local election office for any questions about who can and cannot vote.
