In-Person Voting 101: Rights, Rules, and Voting Checklist

By: Amy Agarwal

Whether you are early voting or casting your ballot on Election Day, being prepared ensures your experience at the polls goes as smoothly as possible. In this post, we’ll explain how your right to vote is protected by law, share key rules of polling sites, and provide a quick checklist to help you get ready to cast your ballot with confidence.

Your Vote, Your Rights

There are several federal laws that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the Help America Vote Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws protect the right to vote freely and without interference and guarantee access and accommodations to ensure voters are able to cast their ballots independently and privately.

You have the right to vote if you’re in line before closing time. 

As long as you join the line to vote before the official poll closing time, you have the right to cast your ballot. Polling stations are required to process votes for all eligible voters who arrive in line on time. 

You have the right to a replacement ballot if you need one. 

If you make a mistake on your paper ballot, you have the right to receive a new ballot. As soon as you realize your mistake, notify a poll worker who can invalidate (“spoil”) your ballot and give you a replacement.

You have the right to cast a provisional ballot. 

If your name is not listed on the election official’s voter roll, or if there is an issue with your identification, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot. Federal law requires poll workers to provide you with a provisional ballot and written tracking information so you can confirm if your vote was counted.

You have the right to vote without being intimidated. 

You have the right to vote without being coerced, harassed, or threatened. Aggressively questioning a voter about their citizenship or other qualifications for voting, impersonating an election official, and sharing false voting information are illegal. If you feel unsafe or if you experience or witness intimidation at the polls, report it immediately to election officials or by calling the election protection hotline (find hotline numbers at the end of this blog post).

You have the right to an accessible polling place. 

Polling facilities must offer physical accommodations for voters with disabilities. This includes accessible parking, curbside voting options, and/or ramps and passageways wide enough for individuals using mobility aids (such as canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs) as well as audio assistive computerized technologies and large-print and braille ballots and displays for voters who are blind or visually impaired.

You have the right to language assistance. 

In many jurisdictions, election officials are required to offer election materials, including ballots, in multiple languages. Polling places may also be staffed with bilingual election workers. If such language assistance isn’t available at your polling location, federal law allows you to bring your own interpreter into the voting booth with you.

You have the right to personal assistance. 

If you have a disability or limited English literacy skills, you have the right to bring a family member, friend, or other trusted individual with you into the voting booth. The only limitation is that this person must not be your employer or a representative of your employer or union.

Rules of the Polls

Polling site policies exist to ensure that every voter can cast their ballot safely. Election officials have a responsibility to ensure the polling station is a safe, politically neutral space for all voters. Understanding common rules ahead of time helps ensure a smooth experience for you, your fellow voters, and the election workers staffing the polls.

Keep apparel neutral. 

Most states prohibit voters and poll workers from wearing any clothing or accessories (bags, buttons, caps, hats, shirts, etc.) that endorse or oppose candidates, political parties, and ballot measures within the polling station and the surrounding area (different jurisdictions have different “buffer zones” which extend beyond the site entrance).

Check local rules for phone and camera usage. 

Rules about using cellphones and taking photos and videos vary by state. While some places allow for ballot selfies, others prohibit the use of phones or cameras in the polling station to respect everyone’s privacy.

Also, we encourage voters to bring sample ballots, notes, and other resources to the ballot box and paper copies are almost always allowed; however, you’ll need to check with your local election office’s guidelines if you plan to carry that information on a phone or tablet.

Respect election workers and other voters. 

Disruptive behavior, such as threatening or intimidating poll workers and fellow voters is strictly prohibited. Help make the voting process a positive experience for all by being polite and respecting established rules and restrictions.

Ready, Set, Vote: Your Checklist

Now that you know your rights and understand the rules, here are five simple steps to take before you head to the polls.

1. Confirm your polling location and operating hours. 

You have to vote at your assigned polling place. Find details for your official polling location on your state's election website or through Vote.org.

2. Confirm your voter registration status. 

Check that your registration is active and lists your current address a month before Election Day or a week before you plan to head to the polls if you’re voting early. Confirm your status here.

3. Review your sample ballot. 

Research candidates and ballot measures in advance so you can make informed decisions at the ballot box. Our Know Your Ballot: A Three-Step Guide provides easy-to-follow guidance on how to complete this research.

4. Dress appropriately. 

Choose neutral clothing and accessories without campaign logos or slogans to comply with polling site rules. And, since lines can belong, wearing weather-appropriate comfortable clothes and shoes is key.

5. Bring your required identification. 

ID requirements for voting vary by state. Check your state's specific voting ID requirements on your state's election website and make sure you bring the proper documentation to the polls.

Explore More Voting Resources

Visit our IGNITE the Vote hub to access our full library of voter education materials, civic engagement and organizing toolkits, and additional resources from other nonpartisan organizations. Consider downloading and printing our key voter guides, listed below. You can bring these with you to the voting booth and share them with friends and family.

• Ready, Set, Vote: In-Person Voting Checklist: A printable version of the list included in this blog.
• Voting Rights and Rules: Prepared and Protected at the Polls: A quick factsheet summarizing federal protections, accessibility rights, and polling site rules.
• Know Your Ballot: A Three-Step Guide: Clear instructions on how to research candidates and measures so you can cast your ballot with confidence.
• First-Time Voter FAQ: How to Register and Vote: Answers to the 10 most common voting questions we get from students, young voters, and other first-time voters.

Finally, know that you’re never alone. If you encounter any issues or have questions about your rights when you’re at your polling place, nonpartisan assistance is available through the Election Protection Coalition’s hotlines:

• English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
• Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
• Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
• Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
  
  

Your vote is your power—get prepared, know your rights, and make your voice heard at the ballot box!

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