How to Prepare for the Polls as a First-Time Voter

A step-by-step guide to in-person, early, and absentee voting.

Young people (Gen Z + Millennials) make up one third of the voting population this election, the largest single voting bloc.

Your vote won’t just help decide the next leaders. Your vote will help decide the next gun safety bill for your state. The next climate change policy for your community. The next affordable education plan for your school. This election isn’t just about the candidates. It’s about you, your vote, and your power to create a better future.

Find out how your vote can impact the issues that matter the most to you through DoSomething’s Ready to Vote Quiz. Then, use this guide to ensure your vote gets counted in the 2020 Election.

General Tips

1) Register to vote.

Check out your state’s voter registration deadlines, and then take two minutes to register to vote. If you’re not sure whether you are or aren’t registered, go ahead and register again because there are no penalties for doing so. (If you want to be super sure of your area’s process, visit the website of your state or local election office -- and that goes for most of the info in this guide!)

2) Learn how COVID-19 is impacting your state.

It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic is really shaking up the 2020 election. From physically distanced arena-voting to an unprecedented level of absentee voting, things are looking a little different this year. The biggest impact that the health crisis has had on voting is the expansion of several states’ vote-by-mail methods -- learn how COVID-19 is impacting your state here.

3) See your sample ballot and research the candidates.

Make sure there are no surprises come Election Day by checking out your ballot ahead of time using this tool. It’ll show you your national, state, and local candidates, as well as any relevant ballot measures. It also provides some background on the candidates to help start your research. You can find more candidate voter guides from non-partisan organizations like VOTE411.

Pro tip: You’re allowed to bring notes, voter guides, or a sample ballot with you into the voting booth, so no need to memorize all your chosen candidates! (Just make sure you have paper copies because some polling places restrict cell phone use.)

Voting Absentee / By Mail

Learn how to request your absentee ballot. Before you receive an absentee ballot, you’ll need to formally request one. Some states do this online, and others will require you to send a request via mail. The important thing is to do it ASAP and be mindful of your state’s deadlines!
Find the deadline to mail in your absentee ballot. Once you’ve requested and received your ballot, you’ll need to mail it in (or drop it off at a designated location). Find out when your absentee ballot is due here, and use this tool to learn how to return and track your ballot.
Have a backup plan. Be prepared in case you run into any troubles, like issues with the mail system or unexpected delays in getting your ballot. Make alternative plans to cast your ballot -- including voting in person or dropping off your ballot rather than mailing it.

In-Person Voting

Note: Early voting may be a safer and more convenient option for casting your ballot (and it’s recommended by the CDC to use alternative voting methods to try and decrease your exposure to crowds and long wait times). You don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote -- you may even be able to vote today! Find more info on early voting below.

The Basics:

Find the address of your polling place. Typically, your polling place will be a public building like a school, firestation, or courthouse. Find yours here, and be sure to check their hours too!
Decide how you’re getting to the polls and who you’re going with. Whether you’re taking public transportation or driving yourself, make your plan ahead of time. Encourage your friends and family to vote with you and offer to coordinate travel with them.
Learn what your state requires you to bring to the polls. Each state has unique voter ID laws, so find out what specific forms of ID your polling place will accept here (if it’s required at all!).
Take COVID-19 precautions. In general, you should wear a mask, practice safe hand hygiene, and try to avoid the polls at peak hours when they’re more likely to be crowded. Here’s a full page of voting-related guidance from the CDC.

FYI:

Know what (not) to wear. In an effort to avoid voter interference at the polls, some states ban apparel that endorses a certain candidate or political message, including shirts, hats, buttons, and more. Poll workers can send you home for violating the rules, so find your state’s laws regarding apparel here.
Beware of ballot selfies. Before you plan to snap a picture of your ballot to post on social media, make sure that your state doesn’t have an existing “ballot selfie” policy restricting you (or larger restrictions on taking photos at the polls). When in doubt, opt for a selfie with your “I Voted” sticker afterwards!
Recognize and report voter intimidation. It’s rare and unlikely that someone will try to interfere with your vote, but it’s always good to know what to look out for and how to respond. Find out more here.

In-Person Early Voting:

Understand your state’s early voting process. Most states offer some form of early voting so that you can cast your ballot prior to Election Day (especially helpful if you’ve got school, work, or just want to avoid a crowded polling place). Find your state’s early voting policies here.
Be mindful of new regulations for 2020. The CDC has encouraged election officials to expand early voting this year to manage crowds and mitigate health risks. Because of that, it’s important to check your local election office for their latest policies, as they may be different from past years.