2020 Election Voter Info


With November 3rd fast approaching, so are deadlines for voter registration. With exceptional research and assistance from Voting Rights Advocate and Writer, Maya Contreras, we’ve compiled all the information you need to ensure you can vote this election.  Just click on your state in the list below to find information for deadlines, voter protections, how to find your polling place, and much more. If you’re an American wanting voting from abroad and need information, please visit Vote From Abroad.

If you experience any problems with voting call the national, nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). There is also a suite of voter helplines administered by coalition members:

  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE – Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA – NALEO Educational Fund
  • Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US – Arab American Institute (AAI)
  • Asian Languages/English: 888-API-VOTE – APIAVote & Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)

Voter protection field programs: Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and grassroots managed by Common Cause. Digital outreach tools:  866ourvote.org, @866ourVote, and facebook.com/866OurVote

For continued coverage of the 2020 Election, please sign up for our newsletter here. And if you want to get your hands on some VOTE stickers or a VOTE tote, become a supporter today. You’ll be supporting independent women-led journalism and reminding people to vote!

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday Oct 19, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Not in person. You can request of absentee ballot for the general election now.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Video: How to apply for an Absentee in Alabama

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Starting September 9 and request must be received by October 29

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

No one other than the absentee voter may return their own ballot by mail or hand delivery.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Noon on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Ballot tracking: Yes. 

Find polling location 

Became a Poll Worker 

Absentee Ballot Applications

Who is in charge of my local election: Board of Registrars in Every Alabama County 

Know Your Voting Rights in Alabama 

Additional local media info on Alabama Voting 

 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 4, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Yes*. Early and In-Person absentee voting begins 15 days prior to each Election Day (Monday, October 19, 2020)

*Available in Juneau, Soldotna, Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Nome from October 19 to November 1 at 4 p.m. AKDT.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

Alaska is a No-Excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Via mail is October 26. Online requests until November 2. Ballots must be postmarked, emailed, or faxed by November 3 and received in the mail by November 13. Every registered voter over the age of 65 will be sent a ballot application.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Seven days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A friend, relative or associate may transfer the absentee ballot to the U.S. Postal Service or a private commercial delivery service for delivery to the division of elections. For those unable to vote in person because of age, illness or disability, a personal representative may pick up, assist in marking and return an absentee ballot.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Know Your Voting Rights in Alaska

Voting Language Assistance 

Voter Registration Deadline: Mon Oct 5, 2020

Register to Vote: Online

By-Mail 

Early voting: In-Person Oct 7, 2020 – Oct 30, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Non-Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Arizona is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Received by Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:00PM MST

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Tallying can begin 14 days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Tallying can begin 14 days before Election Day, but results may not be released before all precincts are reporting or one hour after the closing of polls on Election Day. Releasing information earlier is a felony.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A family member, household member or caregiver may return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter. [A person who knowingly collects voted or unvoted early ballots from another person is guilty of a class 6 felony.]

Voting by Mail: How to Get a Ballot-by-Mail

Ballot tracking: Yes. 

Find polling location 

Become A Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Arizona 

AZ Center for Disability Law

Election Day Voting HOTLINE: 602-274-6287 | Toll-free: 800-927-2260

Voter Registration Deadline: October 5, 2020

Register to Vote 

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here 

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Seven days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 8:30 a.m. on Election Day. Results are reported after the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A designated bearer or authorized agent may obtain an absentee ballot on behalf of another voter and return it directly to the county clerk. The designated bearer must show a photo ID to the county clerk and sign an oath both when obtaining and returning an absentee ballot.   A designated bearer may obtain absentee ballots for no more than two voters per election and shall not have more than two absentee ballots in his or her possession at any time.

Find polling location 

Become a be a Poll Worker 

Early Voting: Yes. October 19–November 2, 2020.

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Oct 27, 2020. Request here 

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Know Your Voting Rights 

Additional info on Arkansas Voting from local media 

 

California

Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Dates Vary by Locality. 

Voter ID State: No.

California: No-excuse Absentee Voting State; Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification for all-mail jurisdictions can begin 29 days before Election Day. Processing can begin 19 days before Election Day. Jurisdictions that are not all-mail can start processing at 5 p.m. the day before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: A vote count can be accessed or released at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A vote-by-mail voter who is unable to return the ballot may designate another person to return the ballot. A person designated to return a vote-by-mail ballot shall not receive any form of compensation based on the number of ballots that the person returns and an individual, group, or organization shall not provide compensation on this basis.

Voting by Mail: On May 8, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-64-20, which, among other things, orders that a vote-by-mail ballot will be mailed to each voter prior to the November 3, 2020 in addition to offering in-person voting locations.

Returning your Ballot: You may return your voted ballot by:

  1. Mailing it to your county elections official; Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than 17 days after Election Day. If you are not sure your vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time if mailed, bring it to any polling place in the state between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
  2. returning it in person to a polling place or the office of your county elections official; Vote-by-mail ballots that are personally delivered must be delivered no later than the close of polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
  3. dropping your ballot into one of your county’s ballot drop boxes; or Vote-by-mail ballots that are personally delivered to a ballot drop-off location must be delivered no later than the close of polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
  4. authorizing someone to return the ballot on your behalf. Anyone may return your ballot for you, as long as they do not get paid on a per ballot basis. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must fill out the authorization section found on the outside of your ballot envelope.

Ballot tracking? Yes.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Voting Rights in California

Voter Registration Deadline: In Colorado, you can register to vote and vote in person up to 7 PM on Election Day.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Oct 19, 2020 – Nov 2, 2020 (closed on October 24/Sundays)

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here

Colorado: No-excuse Absentee Voting State; Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: October 26 – deadline to register to vote or update your registration and still receive a ballot in the mail.

Request an Absentee Ballot: October 9 – Counties will begin mailing ballots for the November 3rd General Election.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Fifteen days before Election Day. The vote count cannot be released until after 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Any person of the elector’s own choice or any duly authorized agent of the county clerk and recorder or designated election official may be designated to mail or deliver a mail ballot. No person other than a duly authorized agent of the county clerk and recorder or designated election official may receive more than 10 mail ballots in any election for mailing or delivery.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights 

Voter Registration Deadline(s):

  • Received by mail Tue Oct 27, 2020.
  • Postmarked by Tue Oct 27, 2020.
  • In-Person Request by Mon Nov 2, 2020 12:00PM EST.
  • Last Day to Change Party Affiliation Tue Oct 27, 2020.
  • Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Not in person, but you can request an absentee ballot for the general election now. “Connecticut: Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont has signed a bill passed by Connecticut’s Democratic-run legislature to allow all voters to request an absentee ballot for the November general election due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here

Connecticut is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:    

  • In-Person, Received by Mon Nov 2, 2020
  • Post received by Tue Nov 3, 2020
  • Fax by Tue Nov 3, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: At the discretion of the local registrar of voters.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: At the discretion of the local registrar of voters.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An absentee ballot may be returned by a voter’s “designee,” which includes a person who is caring for the applicant because of the applicant’s illness or physical disability, including but not limited to, a licensed physician or a registered or practical nurse; a member of the applicant’s family; or if no such person consents or is available, then a police officer, registrar of voters, deputy registrar of voters or assistant registrar of voters in the municipality in which the applicant resides.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Connecticut

 

Voter Registration Deadline: Sat Oct 3, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: None in person. May request Vote-by-Mail/Absentee Ballot now.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Mon Nov 2, 2020 12:00pm EST

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Friday before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Friday before Election Day. The vote count cannot be extracted or reported until polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Absentee voters must return their ballots by U.S. mail, by delivering it, or “causing it to be delivered” prior to the close of polls on Election Day. There is no explicit provision for an agent or designee to return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.

Ballot tracker 

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Delaware 

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • By Mail: Post received by Tue Oct 13, 2020
  • In-Person, Received by Wed Oct 14, 2020
  • Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020 8:00PM EST

Register to Vote: By-Mail

 In-Person. DC offers Same-Day Registration at Early Voting Centers and at the polls on Election Day.

Early voting: Vote Centers for the November 3 General Election will open Tuesday, October 27, 2020, through Monday, November 2, 2020, from 8:30 am – 7:00 pm. And on November 3, 2020 (Election Day), Vote Centers will open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Voter ID State: No*. “Registered voters in DC are NOT required to show ID at the polls, except for some first-time voters. If you are a first-time voter but didn’t bring your ID to the polling place, you may cast a Special Ballot. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must provide ID to the board of elections within two days after the election.”

District of Columbia is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Oct 27, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signatures can be verified and the secrecy envelope removed prior to tabulation. Exact timing not specified.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A registered voter may apply for and return an emergency ballot through an authorized agent if the voter is unexpectedly unable to be present at the polls due to an illness or accident or the voter is serving on a sequestered jury on Election Day.

Ballot tracker: Yes.

Find polling location

Become be a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights 

  • Phone numbers if there are voting issues: DC Board of Elections: (202) 727-2525
  • Maryland State Board of Elections: (410) 269-2840
  • Virginia Department of Elections: (804) 864-8901
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights: (866) 687-8683
  • US Justice Department: (202) 307-2767

Voter Registration Deadline: Mon Oct 5, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:00am EDT – Sat Oct 31, 2020 5:00pm EDT

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Florida is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Post received by Sat Oct 24, 2020 5:00pm EDT; In-Person, Received by Sat Oct 31, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification can begin at 7 a.m. 22 days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day. Releasing the results early is a felony.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Any elector applying to cast a vote by mail ballot in the office of the supervisor, in any election, who requires assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may request the assistance of some person of his or her own choice, other than the elector’s employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of his or her union, in casting his or her vote-by-mail ballot.

Ballot Tracker: Yes.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker in Florida: Contact or go to your local country office 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Florida 

 

Additional info on voting from local media

Voter Registration Deadline: Mon Oct 5, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Oct 12, 2020 – Oct 30, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Georgia is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Received by Fri Oct 30, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification conducted upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 7 a.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

In the case of an elector who is confined to a hospital on the day of the election, a family member or individual residing in the household of a disabled elector may personally deliver an absentee ballot on behalf of the disabled elector. A physically disabled or illiterate elector may receive assistance from any elector who is qualified to vote in the same county or municipality, an attendant care provider or a family member.        No person shall assist more than 10 such electors in any primary, election, or runoff in which there is no federal candidate on the ballot.

Ballot Tracker: Yes

Who is in charge of my local election 

Find polling location

Become a be a Poll Worker 

Know Your Voting Rights in Georgia 

Additional info on voting from local media

 

Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Election Day Registration + Early Voting Tue Oct 20, 2020 – Election Day Registration + Early Voting Mon Nov 2, 2020.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Hawaii Is an All-Mail Election State: Ballots automatically sent to Registered Voters.

FAQ about Vote by Mail in Hawaii

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Counting may start before Election Day. Exact timing not specified.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

Ballot tracker: Yes.

Vote-in-Person in Hawaii: Can I still vote in-person? Yes, you may vote in-person by visiting any voter service center in your county. Voter service centers are open 10 days through Election Day for in-person voting, same-day registration and accessible voting.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Hawaii 

Additional info on voting from local media: 

Voter Registration Deadline:  

  • Wed Oct 21, 2020 5:00pm MDT
  • Postmarked by Wed Oct 7, 2020
  • Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting:

  • Sat Oct 19, 2020 – Sat Oct 31, 2020 5:00pm MDT.
  • In-person Absentee: Deadline Dates Vary by Locality – Sat Oct 31, 2020 5:00pm MDT.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Idaho is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Wed Oct 21, 2020 5:00pm MDT

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Affidavit verified upon receipt. Ballots are not opened until they are delivered to the polls or central location for counting.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Idaho

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Tue Oct 6, 2020
  • Voter Registration “Grace Period” Wed Oct 7, 2020 thru Election Day
  • Online by Sun Oct 18, 2020
  • Election Day Registration & Voting (Call Local Election Office) Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting:

  • At Permanent Polling Places as of Mon Oct 19, 2020
  • At Election Authority Office as of Sat Oct 24, 2020
  • Early Voting ends Mon Nov 2, 2020

Voter ID State: Registered Illinois voters do NOT need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

Illinois is no-excuse Absentee Ballot/Vote-by-Mail State: Voters vote by mail for any reason.

How to Request a ballot to Vote-By-Mail 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:    

  • Thu Oct 29, 2020
  • In-Person Request by Mon Nov 2, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification must begin within two days of receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A person authorized by the voter may return an absentee ballot. If the ballot is from a physically incapacitated elector, an employee or person under the direction of the facility in which the voter is located may deliver to the ballot. There is an authorization on the ballot envelope naming and authorizing another person to return the ballot.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: Contact your county clerk.

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Illinois 

Voter Registration Deadline: Mon Oct 5, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: No.* But In-person Absentee Voting, Tue. Oct 6, 2020 – Mon. Nov 2, 2020 12:00pm CST.

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:

  • Request for Postal Ballot by Thu Oct 22, 2020 11:59pm CDT
  • In-Person Request by Mon Nov 2, 2020 12:00pm CST

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: No later than noon on Election Day or immediately after the electronic poll books used at each polling place or vote center have been updated to indicate the county received the absentee ballot.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A member of the voter’s household or a person designated as the attorney for the voter.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Indiana 

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Sat Oct 24, 2020
  • Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: No*, but In-Person Absentee Voting Mon. Oct 5, 2020 – Mon. Nov 2, 2020.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required.

In-Person Voting ID requirements here

Voting-By-Mail ID requirements

Iowa is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Fri Oct 30, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Affidavits may be reviewed the day before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day, at a time set by the election commissioner to allow a reasonable amount of time to complete the count of absentee ballots by 10 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A voter may designate a person to deliver a completed absentee ballot.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Iowa

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Online by Tue Oct 13, 2020
  • Postmarked by Tue Oct 13, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020 – Monday, Nov 2, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State.

In-Person ID Requirements here

Vote-by-Mail ID Requirements here

Kansas is No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Oct 27, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Prior to Election Day. Exact timing not specified.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Ballots may be counted prior to Election Day, but final tabulation shall not be completed until Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Upon written designation by the voter, a person other than the voter may return an absentee ballot. Any such person designated by the voter shall sign a statement that such person has not exercised undue influence on the voting decisions of the voter and agrees to deliver the ballot as directed by the voter.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: Contact your County Election Officer.

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Kansas

Voter Registration Deadline: Mon Oct 5, 2020 4:00 PM

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Yes.  The early-voting period across Kentucky will begin Oct. 13. It will also last for three weeks before the election and include Saturday voting for at least four hours.  

Voter ID State: Yes. Kentuckians who have been unable to get a driver’s license or photo ID because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and because their clerk’s office was closed, can sign a document explaining these issues and cast their ballot. Requirements here 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Oct 27, 2020

For those who plan to use the absentee voting option, Kentucky will be launching an online portal [late August] so voters can request a ballot by mail. Ballots can be requested on the portal through Oct. 9.

Request An Absentee Ballot

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: 8 a.m. on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Counting begins after all absentee ballots have been processed.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Any person assisting another in voting by use of absentee ballot shall complete a voter assistance form.

Ballot Tracking: Yes.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Kentucky 

Additional voting information on voting from local media 

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Online by Wed Oct 14, 2020
  • Post received by Mon Oct 5, 2020
  • In-Person Request by Mon Oct 5, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Presidential General and Open Congressional Primary Election. Early voting is Oct. 20-27 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 25) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State.

Voting in-person ID Requirements here

Voting-by-Mail ID Requirements here 

How to Request an Absent Ballot here

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:

  • In Person: Received by 4:30pm, 4 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received by 4:30p.m., 4 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received by 4:30pm, 4 days before Election Day.
  • Voted ballots are due: Received by 4:30pm, 1 day before Election Day (most voters). Election Day (hospitalized voters).

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Prior to the closing of the polls. Exact timing not specified.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Counting may begin before Election Day but no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

If delivered by other than the voter, a commercial courier, or the U.S. Postal Service, the registrar shall require that the person making such delivery sign a statement, prepared by the secretary of state, certifying that he has the authorization and consent of the voter to hand-deliver the marked ballot.   No person except the immediate family of the voter shall hand deliver more than one marked ballot to the registrar.

 

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Louisiana

Additional information on voting from local media 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 12–29, 2020; Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020.

Register to Vote: Maine does not offer online registration.  Maine’s voter registration guide

Early voting: In-Person Absentee Voting: Oct 12, 2020 – Oct 29, 2020

Voter ID State: No.

Maine is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Ballots must be requested by October 31, 2020 and completed ballots must be received by November 3 at 8 p.m.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: On Election Day before the polls close if notice of processing times is posted at least seven days before the election.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Absentee ballot return by a third person is permitted as long as the third person is not a candidate or a member of a candidate’s immediate family. An absentee ballot may not be issued to a third person who has already been issued five absentee ballots for voters in the municipality until the third person has returned one of those ballots.

Find polling location

Become be a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Maine 

 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 13, 2020; Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: October 22–29, 2020

Voter ID State: Registered Maryland voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

Maryland: No-excuse Absentee Voting State; Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Voters can request an absentee ballot via mail until October 27 or online until October 30.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: After the election.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 8 a.m. the Wednesday after Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A qualified applicant may designate a duly authorized agent to pick up and deliver an absentee ballot. An agent of the voter under this section: must be at least 18 years old; may not be a candidate on that ballot; shall be designated in a writing signed by the voter under penalty of perjury; and shall execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the ballot was delivered to the voter who submitted the application; marked and placed in an envelope by the voter, or with assistance as allowed by regulation, in the agent’s presence; and returned to the local board by the agent.

Find polling location 

Become be a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Maryland 

Voter Registration Deadline: Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:00PM EDT

Register to Vote

Early voting: Oct 17, 2020 – Oct 30, 2020

Voter ID State: No. Registered Massachusetts voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Wed Oct 28, 2020 12:00PM EDT
Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: No later than an hour after the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A family member may deliver an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: “Call your city or town clerk to find out how to become a poll worker in your community.”

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know York Voting Rights in Massachusetts 

Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: In-person absentee voting during the 40 days before an election

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Michigan is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Voters can request a mail-in ballot via mail or online until October 30 at 5 p.m. EDT.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: On Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day before the polls close at the jurisdiction’s discretion. Anyone with access to absentee ballot counting must sign an oath that information related to processing and tallying will not be communicated in any way until after the polls close.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A member of the immediate family of the voter or a person residing in the voter’s household may deliver a ballot to the clerk for the voter.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Find polling location 

Become be a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Michigan 

 

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Online by Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:59PM
  • Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Sep 18, 2020 – Nov 2, 2020

Voter ID State: No. Registered Minnesota voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

Minnesota: No-excuse Absentee Voting State; Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Nov 3, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Verification upon receipt. After the close of business on the seventh day before the election, verified ballots can be opened and deposited in a ballot box.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return envelope in the mail.     An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three voters in any election.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Find your polling location

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Minnesota

Voter Registration Deadline: October 5, 2020.

Register to Vote: “Mississippi does not offer online voter registration.” 

Early voting: None.

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: “There is no deadline to request a ballot. Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on November 2 if submitting by mail or by October 29 if dropped off in person. Residents can vote by mail if elderly, out-of-state, or have other extenuating circumstances, but COVID-19 is not one of them.”

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: “To sign up, contact your local Election Commissioner”

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Mississippi 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: No. Not in person, but you can request an Absentee Ballot.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

How to Request an Absent Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: October 21, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Five days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An absentee ballot may be returned in person by a relative of the voter who is within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Missouri 

Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration* & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020 (*except between noon and 5:00 p.m. the day before the election at county election offices).

Register to Vote

Early voting: October 5–November 2, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

Montana is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Requests for ballots must be received by November 2 at 12 p.m.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification conducted upon receipt. Three days before Election Day, election officials may open the secrecy envelope and place the ballot in a secured ballot box until tabulation occurs, but this process may not occur on a Saturday or Sunday.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: One day before Election Day, if using a vote-counting machine. Tabulation using a manual count may not begin until Election Day. Access to an electronic system containing early tabulation results is limited to the election administrator.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Individuals authorized to transmit ballots are an election official; U.S. postal service worker or other individual specifically authorized by law to transmit U.S. mail; caregiver; family member; household member; or acquaintance. A person other than an authorized individual may not knowingly collect a voter’s voted or unvoted ballot. An individual authorized to collect a voter’s ballot may not collect and convey more than six ballots.

A directive was issued giving Montana counties the option of shifting to all-mail ballots for the November general election. Ballots will be mailed to active and provisionally registered voters starting October 9, 2020. Contact your local Montana Election Administrator.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Montana

Voter Registration Deadline: October 16, 2020 Mail, Online, in-person at state agencies. October 23 at election offices.”

Register to Vote 

Early voting: October 5 –November 2, 2020.

Voter ID State: No. Registered Nebraska voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

Nebraska is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: October 23, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Verification can begin the second Monday before Election Day. If approved, the envelope can be opened, the ballot unfolded and flattened and placed in a sealed container.

 

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Twenty-four hours before the opening of the polls. No results shall be released until after polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An absentee voter may appoint an agent. A candidate for office and any person serving on a campaign committee for such a candidate shall not act as an agent for any registered voter requesting a ballot unless such person is a member of the registered voter’s family. No person shall act as an agent for more than two registered voters in any election.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Nebraska 

Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: October 17, 2020 through October 30, 2020.

Voter ID State: No. Registered Nevada voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

Nevada: No-excuse Absentee Voting State; Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: October 20, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification conducted upon receipt. Ballots are placed in a secured ballot box, unopened until they are delivered to the central counting board. Processing cannot begin earlier than four days before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day. No results may be reported until after the polls close.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

It is unlawful for any person to return a mailing ballot other than the registered voter to whom the ballot was sent or, at the request of the voter, a member of the family of that voter. UPDATE: As of August 3, 2020 Assembly Bill 4 was approved by Gov. Steve Sisolak which “permits some voters, namely the elderly and those with physical disabilities, to request that someone else fill out and hand in their ballot.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: Contact County Clerks’ office 

Who is in charge of my local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Nevada

Voter Registration Deadline: In-Person or Mail, Tue Oct 27, 2020; Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: No, but you can request an absentee ballot.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Mon Nov 2, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: At 1 p.m. on Election Day, unless a different time, no earlier than two hours after the opening of the polls, is posted and announced.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A family member may return the ballot and must complete a form and present a government-issued photo ID or have his or her identity confirmed by the city or town clerk.

Ballot tracking: Yes.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker: “Reach out to your local city or town clerk to learn more about volunteer opportunities at your polling place.” 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in New Hampshire 

 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 13, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Not in person, but you can request and absentee ballot.

Voter ID State: No. Registered New Jersey voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

New Jersey is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: In-Person Request by Mon Nov 2, 2020 3:00PM EST

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification conducted upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An authorized messenger may return the ballot. The bearer certifies that he or she received a mail-in ballot directly from the voter, and no other person, and is authorized to deliver the ballot to the appropriate board of election or designee on behalf of the voter. No person shall serve as an authorized messenger for more than three qualified voters in an election. No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot shall be permitted to serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

New Jersey will now automatically mail ballots on Monday, October 5, 2020 to all active registered voters with pre-paid postage. There will be a new online voter registration system up by Sept. 4, 2020 “giving new voters an added ability to ensure they get registered.” Please, make sure you check your registration is current and that you are registered well before Oct 5, 2020. There will be no sample ballots. What you receive is what you use to vote. You can return your ballot in three ways:

  • Via Mail
  • Via Secure Dropbox
  • To a polling place on Election Day, November 3, 2020.

Vote By Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations in New Jersey

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker: Contact County Board of Elections

Who is in charge of my elections

Know Your Voting Rights in New Jerse

Voter Registration Deadline: October 6, 2020.

Register to Vote

Early voting: October 17–31, 2020.

Voter ID State: Registered New Mexico voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters.

New Mexico is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Absentee ballot requests through the Secretary of State’s website for the 2020 General Election will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. 

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Any time after mailed ballots have been sent until the fifth day before the election, the county clerk may convene an election board to meet during normal business hours to qualify mailed ballots that are returned. If more than 10,000 absentee ballots are sent, they may be opened and inserted into an electronic voting machine two weeks before Election Day. If fewer than 10,000 absentee ballots are sent, processing may begin four days before the election.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Absentee ballots are inserted into vote-counting machines to be registered and retained before Election Day, but votes are not counted until after the polls close. It is unlawful for a person to disclose the results of a count or tally prior to the closing of the polls or the deadline for receiving mailed ballots.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A voter, caregiver to that voter or member of that voter’s immediate family may deliver that voter’s absentee ballot to the county clerk in person or by mail, provided that the voter has subscribed the outer envelope of the absentee ballot.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker: Contact Your County Bureau of Elections 

Who is in charge of your local election

Know Your Voting Rights in New Mexico 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: October 24, 2020- November 1, 2020

Voter ID State: New York does NOT require registered voters to present ID at the polls or when voting by mail, except for some first-time voters. 

UPDATE 8/20/20: New York voters should request their ballot now, which will be mailed on the day they request. Absentee Ballots will NOT be automatically mailed. You must request one online, over the phone, in person, or by mail. (Source)

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot

  • October 27 Last day to postmark an application or letter of application by mail for an absentee ballot.
  • November 2 Last day to apply IN-PERSON for an absentee ballot.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: On Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

For New York City ONLY:  Any voter who wants to check the status of their absentee ballot may DM Board of Elections on Twitter or call their office 1-866-868-3692

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in New York

Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: Oct 15, 2020 – Oct 31, 2020

Voter ID State: No. Registered North Carolina voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters. 

North Carolina is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Oct 27, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: County boards of elections may take preparatory steps earlier than the times specified provided that these steps do no reveal election results to any individual not engaged in the actual count.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Two weeks prior to Election Day, provided the hour and place of counting is announced. Results shall not be announced before 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian may return an absentee ballot. It is a class 1 felony for any person to take into that person’s possession for delivery to a voter or for return to a county board of elections the absentee ballot of any voter, except a voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in North Carolina

 

Voter Registration Deadline: North Dakota does not require voter registration. 

Register to Vote: North Dakota does not require voter registration. 

Early voting: Contact Local Election Office 

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Non-Photo I.D. State. Requirements here 

North Dakota is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:

  • Sept 24, 2020 Absentee and Mail Balloting Begins
  • Nov 2, 2020 Absentee and Mail Ballot Submission Deadline

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: The day before Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An absentee voter may designate an agent. The agent may not, at that time, be a candidate for any office to be voted upon by the absent voter. The agent must provide a signed, written authorization from an applicant. No person may receive compensation, including money, goods or services, for acting as an agent for an elector, nor may a person act as an agent for more than four electors in any one election.

 

Ballot tracking: Yes. 

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: To serve as a Serving as an Election Worker contact your County Election Official 

Who is in charge of your local election

Know Your Voting Rights in North  Dakota

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: In-Person Absentee Voting: Oct 6, 2020 – Nov 2, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Non-Photo I.D. State. Requirements here 

Ohio is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Received by Sat Oct 31, 2020 12:00PM EDT

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Processing may begin before the time for counting ballots. Exact timing not specified.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Absentee ballots may be scanned prior to the election, but the count may not be disclosed prior to the closing of the polls.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A family member of the absentee elector may deliver the ballot.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election

Know Your Voting Rights in Ohio 

Voter Registration Deadline: Fri Oct 9, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Oct 29, 2020 – Oct 31, 2020.

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

Oklahoma is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Video: Oklahoma Absentee Ballot

Video: Oklahoma Absentee Ballot for Physically Incapacitated Absentee Instructions

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:00PM CDT

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Prior to Election Day with approval by the secretary of the state election board.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Prior to Election Day with approval by the secretary of the state election board. When counting occurs before the election, the county election board shall remove the election results storage media from the voting device, without obtaining a printout of results, and seal ballots counted that day in a transfer case secured by the sheriff until the time the board next meets to count. Results cannot be reported earlier than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

The voter shall be required to mark the ballot in ink or other manner as prescribed by the Secretary of the State Election Board; seal the ballots in the plain opaque envelope; fill out completely and sign the affidavit, such signature to be notarized at no charge by a notary public; seal the plain opaque envelope inside the envelope bearing the affidavit and return both envelopes, sealed inside the return envelope, by hand delivery, United States mail or by a private mail service, provided such service has delivery documentation, to the county election board. No person who is a candidate for an office on the ballot or who is the chair or treasurer of the campaign of a candidate for office or who is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to a candidate on the ballot may witness any absentee ballot affidavit. A voter’s spouse is excepted from ballot harvesting laws and is permitted to return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.

Ballot Tracking

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker: Contact your County Election Board 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Oklahoma 

Voter Registration Deadline: New Voter Registration Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: No, but registered voters will receive ballots in October.

Voter ID State: No. Registered Oregon voters do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters. 

Oregon is an All-Mail Election State. Registered voter automatically receives a ballot.

How to request a replacement absentee ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Thursday, Oct 29, 2020. [2020 Oct 29 12:00:00 AM. Last day absentee or replacement ballots are required to be mailed. (General Election)]

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: No sooner than seven days before the election county clerks may begin opening identification and secrecy envelopes and scan ballots into a vote tally system.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: A person may not make public the results of the tally of votes from any precinct until after 8pm on election day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A person may return a ballot on behalf of another voter. A person may not attempt to collect voted ballots within any building in which any state or local government elections office designated for the deposit of ballots is located, or within 100 feet measured radially from any entrance to the building. A person may not establish a location to collect ballots voted by electors unless the person prominently displays at the location a sign stating: “NOT AN OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP SITE”; and the sign is printed in all capital letters in bold 50-point type

Find Drop Box Location

Find Polling Location or become a Poll Worker: “Oregon only accepts mail-in ballots, so very few traditional poll workers are used; the law does not mention requiring a worker to be a qualified or registered voter.” If you have additional questions contact your local County Official. 

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Oregon 

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: No in-person, but can request an absentee ballot now.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict. Registered first-time Pennsylvania voters must show ID at the polls to vote. If you are a registered first-time voter but didn’t bring your ID to the polling place, you may cast a provisional ballot. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must sign an affidavit. 

Pennsylvania is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:00PM EDT. Mail-in and absentee ballot applications for November 3, 2020, general election must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: At 7am on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: At 7am on Election Day, but the votes may not be recorded or published until after the polls close.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

The ballot envelope shall then be securely sealed and the elector shall send same by mail, postage prepaid, except where franked, or deliver it in person to said county board of election.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Pennsylvania

Voter Registration Deadline: Sun Oct 4, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: October 14 – November 2, 2020. “In the 20 days leading up to Election Day, you can vote in person at your city or town hall during their regular business hours.” 

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Rhode Island is No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Fourteen days before Election Day. After processing and certification, envelopes may be opened, ballots removed and scanned through central count optical scan units.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

How to Request A Mailed Ballot 

Deadline to Request a Mailed Ballot: Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:00PM EDT

Ballot tracking

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Rhode Island 

Voter Registration Deadline:

  • Postmarked by Mon Oct 5, 2020
  • In-Person Request by Fri Oct 2, 2020 5:00PM EDT

Register to Vote 

Early voting: In-Person Absentee Voting: Oct 5, 2020 – Nov 2, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Applications for ballots must be requested by October 30 at 5 p.m.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: 9 a.m. on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 9 a.m. on Election Day. Results may not be reported until after the polls close.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A voter may authorize another person to return the ballot in writing. A candidate or a member of a candidate’s paid campaign staff, including volunteers reimbursed for time expended on campaign activity, is not permitted to serve as an authorized returnee for any person unless the person is a member of the voter’s immediate family.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker

Who is in charge of my local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in South Carolina 

Voter Registration Deadline: October 19, 2020.

Register to Vote: “Download form and submit it to your County Auditor. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.” 

*Note: In order to view correct information on South Dakota’s site, scroll to the bottom of page.

Early voting: September 18–November 2, 2020.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here 

South Dakota is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Ballot requests must be submitted by November 2 at 5 p.m., and completed ballots must be received by November 3 at 7 p.m.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Processing may begin when sealed absentee ballots are delivered to precincts with the election supplies, but only if the election board is not otherwise engaged in official duties.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After polls close on Election Day. Prior to this, no person may open, unfold or examine any ballot, or make any communication to any person concerning the marking or contents of the ballot. A violation is a misdemeanor.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

An authorized messenger can transmit a ballot.           If a person is an authorized messenger for more than one voter, he must notify the person in charge of the election of all voters for whom he is a messenger.

Find polling location

Become a Poll Worker: Contact your County Auditor’s office 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know York Voting Rights in South  Dakota

Voter Registration Deadline: October 5, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: In-Person Oct 14, 2020 – Oct 29, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

How to Request an Absent Ballot: “As of Aug. 5, 2020 from the ACLU Tennessee: State must permit every eligible voter with an underlying health condition that makes them especially vulnerable to COVID-19 — and any voter who is a caretaker of such individuals — to vote by mail in all elections in 2020 due to COVID-19. Prior to this case, the state had refused to let anyone physically capable of traveling to the polls to vote by mail.” 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Tue Oct 27, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature verification conducted upon receipt. At that point, the fact that the voter has cast a ballot is recorded, and the absentee ballot envelope is deposited into a ballot box.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day after the polls open and no later than four hours before closing for general elections, or two hours before closing for all other elections.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

Find polling location 

Become a Poll Worker 

Who is in charge of your local election 

Know Your Voting Rights in Tennessee 

Additional voting information from local media 

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: First Day of Early Voting Monday, October 13, 2020. Last Day of Early Voting: Friday, October 30, 2020.

Voter ID State: Yes. Non-Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

How to Request an Absent Ballot: To vote by absentee ballot in Texas you must be a registered voter and meet one of the following conditions:

  • You are away from your county on Election Day and during early in-person voting
  • You are sick or disabled
  • You are 65 years of age or older on Election Day
  • You are confined in jail, but eligible to vote

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Friday, October 23, 2020

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Signature and voter verification may be conducted upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: When the polls open on Election Day. In a jurisdiction with more than 100,000 people, counting can begin at the end of the early voting by personal appearance period.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A marked ballot voted under this chapter must be returned to the early voting clerk in the official carrier envelope. The carrier-envelope may be delivered in another envelope and must be transported and delivered only by mail; common or contract carrier; or in-person delivery by the voter who voted the ballot. A person possessing an envelope of another voter does not commit an offense if that person is related to the voter within the second degree by affinity or the third degree by consanguinity; physically living in the same dwelling as the voter; a person who possesses a ballot or carrier envelope solely for the purpose of lawfully assisting a voter who was eligible for assistance; a U.S. postal service employee; or a common or contract carrier. Carrier envelopes may not be collected and stored at another location for subsequent delivery to the early voting clerk. A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses an official ballot or official carrier envelope with intent to defraud the voter or the election authority.

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Voter Registration Deadline: “Your voter registration must be received by your county clerk before 5:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2020.   However, you may register to vote at an early voting location or at a polling location on Election Day, November 3, 2020 but you will need to bring two forms of identification with you.”

Register to Vote 

Early voting: In-person Oct 20, 2020 – Oct 30, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

Utah is an All-Mail election state. Registered voters will automatically be sent a ballot between October 13, 2020 and October 27, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Processing may begin before Election Day. Exact timing not specified.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Counting may begin before Election Day. Exact timing not specified. Results may not be reported until after the polls close on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

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Voter Registration Deadline: Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020

Register to Vote

Early voting: In-Person: September 20–November 2. Absentee Ballot: “The state of Vermont will send ballots to all registered voters to encourage mail-in voting in November.”

Voter ID State: No.

Vermont is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absent Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Absentee ballots for the November 3, 2020, general election will be available not later than September 21, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: The day before the election, at least one hour before depositing ballots in the vote tabulator, absentee ballot envelopes may be examined and inspected by members of the public.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: The day before the election, absentee ballots may be deposited in a vote tabulator. The machine is turned on and the ballots tabulated on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

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Additional voting info from local media 

Voter Registration Deadline: Online by Tue Oct 13, 2020; Postmarked by Tue Oct 13, 2020; In-Person, Received by Tue Oct 13, 2020.

Register to Vote

Early voting: In-Person Absentee Voting: Sep 18, 2020 – Oct 31, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here

Virginia is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: You can request an absentee ballot 12 months before an election, but they get mailed out 45 days before.

Request an Absentee Ballot:

Online

Call local register’s office

Download and Print

Additional info on absentee voting 

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Before Election Day as needed to expedite counting absentee ballots.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: Ballots may be inserted into ballot-counting machines prior to the closing of the polls, but no ballot count totals by the machines shall be initiated until the polls close. If absentee ballots are counted by hand, tallying may begin after 3 p.m. on Election Day. Vote counts may not be reported until after the polls close.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

A voter who becomes incapacitated just before Election Day may vote by emergency ballot and designate a representative to deliver the ballot and return the marked ballot.

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Voter Registration Deadline: Online by Mon Oct 26, 2020. My mail received by Mon Oct 26, 2020. Election Day Registration & Voting Tue Nov 3, 2020.

Register to Vote 

Early voting: Not Necessary: All Elections in this State are Vote-by-Mail

Voter ID State: Yes, if voting in-person. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here

Washington: is an All-Mail election state. Registered voters will be automatically sent a ballot.

Ballot dropbox locations 

In-Person Voting: “Voting center prior to each primary, special election, and general election. Each voting center is open during business hours during the voting period, which begins eighteen days before, and ends at 8:00 p.m. on the day of, the primary, special election, or general election.”

Obtaining a Replacement Ballot: “You can obtain a replacement ballot delivered online by logging into VoteWA.gov Alternatively, a replacement ballot may be obtained by contacting your local county elections department when you have destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received the original ballot.”

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Upon receipt.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: 8 p.m. on Election Day. No person may divulge any results of the count prior to 8 p.m. on Election Day. A violation is a misdemeanor.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

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Voter Registration Deadline: Tue Oct 13, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: In-Person : Wed Oct 21, 2020 – Sat Oct 31, 2020

Voter ID State: Yes. ID Requested; Photo not required. Requirements here 

Request an Absentee Ballot 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: October 28, 2020.

Deadline to Return Absentee Ballot: Hand-Delivered by Mon Nov 2, 2020; Postmarked by Tuesday, November 3, 2020; Received by Wed Nov 4, 2020; Post received by Monday, November 9, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Absentee ballots are delivered to precincts on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day. Disclosure of any results before the voting has been closed and precinct returns posted on the door of polling places is a violation of the oath taken by the counting board.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified, though statute does address hand-delivering ballots (see next column). No person may hand-deliver more than two absentee ballots in any election and any person hand delivering an absentee ballot is required to certify that he or she has not examined or altered the ballot. Any person who makes a false certification violates the provisions of article nine of this chapter and is subject to those provisions.

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Voter Registration Deadline: Online by Wed Oct 14, 2020. By Mail Postmarked by Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020. In the Election Office by Friday, October 30, 2020 Election Day. Election Day Registration & Voting Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Register to Vote 

Early voting: None in person. In-person absentee voting runs for two weeks before Election Day, ending on the Friday before the election. Please check with your municipal clerk for regular office hours.

Voter ID State: Yes. Strict Photo I.D. State. Requirements here

Wisconsin is a No-excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Request for Postal Ballot by Thursday October 29, 2020 5:00pm CDT, In-Person, Received by Friday, October 30, 2020.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: After the polls open on Election Day.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: After the polls open on Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

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Voter Registration Deadline: In-Person: 14 days before Election Day (Monday, Oct 19, 2020). By Mail: Postmarked 14 days before Election Day. After this date, individuals may register to vote by mail if their registration is also accompanied by an absentee ballot request.

Register to Vote

Early voting: Not in person, but you can request an absentee ballot 45 days before Election Day (Saturday, September 19, 2020)

Voter ID State: No document required to vote

Wyoming is a No-Excuse Absentee Voting State: Voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: November 2. Completed ballots due on November 3.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Processing Can Begin: Absentee ballots are delivered to precincts on Election Day. As time permits, election judges examine the affidavits, enter voters’ names in poll books, open envelopes, place ballots in a ballot box or vote it on a machine, as applicable.

Absentee/Mail Ballot Counting Can Begin: On Election Day.

Who Can Return an Absentee or Mail Ballot on Behalf of a Voter?

Not specified.

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Who is in charge of my local election: Contacts for County Clerks 

Know Your Voting Rights in Wyoming