How to Vote

Start with your state and county. Voting rules and schedules vary; your election authority provides the final instructions for your election.

1. Check your registration

Use the official voter resources in your county guide to check your registration and address. Review any registration or address-update deadline with the election authority.

2. Choose a voting method

Review current official instructions for in-person or mailed ballots, including locations, hours, application requirements and return procedures.

3. Review your sample ballot

Use the authority’s voter-specific tool or sample ballot to see the offices and questions that apply to you. A countywide candidate list may include contests outside your voting districts.

4. Make a voting plan

Confirm your voting location, date, hours and any required documents. Review accessibility information or contact the election authority for assistance.

Understand the offices

Explore the levels of government and use your county’s available maps to understand overlapping districts. Maps do not determine your assigned polling place or ballot.

Editorial review: October 26, 2026. This checklist does not replace official election instructions.