How to Vote in USA Step By Step

Voting on Election Day

Find out when to vote and where your polling station is. Learn what form of ID to bring with you 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 when to vote

The next presidential election will be on November 5, 2024. But the dates of other elections can vary. Learn when you can vote for your federal, state, and local representatives.

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.

Can you vote online?

No. In federal elections in the U.S., you cannot vote online.

Use voter guides and sample ballots to learn about candidates

Voter guides and sample ballots include the candidates and the state or local issues up for a vote. Reviewing them before you go to the polls can help you decide who to vote for.

Who can and cannot vote

Learn if you meet the qualifications to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

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 [PDF, 541KB] 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.

Find out when to vote

The next presidential election will be on November 5, 2024. But the dates of other elections can vary. Learn when you can vote for your federal, state, and local representatives.

Find your state and get a list of dates for:

Presidential primaries

General elections

State and local elections

Early and absentee voting

Voter registration deadlines

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