Research has shown that voter turnout increases when would-be voters make a plan for how they will vote. So please also consider talking to your peers about their voting plans.
Register to vote
Registering is the first step toward voting with psychology in mind.
See if your state allows same-day voter registration
24 states allow same-day voter registrationopens in new window, but most require advance registration. If you have moved to a different county/locality since the last election, you may need to re-register. If you are an overseas or military voter, please consult the U.S. Election Assistance Commission military and overseas votersopens in new window web page.
Find state-specific registration, voting process, and ballot information
Visit our Action Centeropens in new window and enter your zip code in the Election Center tool to get started.
Keep track of important deadlines
Election processes, including registration, early voting, or vote-by-mail, vary from state to state. Learn about your state’s voter registration and ballot request requirementsopens in new window by using the Election Center tool on the Action Center page.
Already registered?
Send this guide to five friends or family members to help them register.
Engage with candidates and learn the issues
Learn who currently represents youopens in new window, who else is running, and what policies they propose so you can make an informed decision.
During election years, candidates attend fairs, join community events, host fundraisers, and possibly even go door to door. This is an excellent time to heighten their interest and speak up for your work, your patients, and your communities. Ask candidates where they stand on funding for psychological science and access to mental and behavioral health services.
Visit our talking points page to inspire your communications with campaigns with which you come into contact.
Make your voting day plan
Research shows you are more likely to vote if you make a step-by-step plan to do so. To build your plan, ask yourself:
How will you submit your ballot?
By mail
Check your state’s vote-by-mail deadlines and requirementsopens in new window—some states require ballots to be received before Election Day while others count ballots postmarked on Election Day. Additionally, some states allow mail-in ballots to be hand-delivered, while others do not.
Early and/or absentee
Check where your local election office is conducting early/absentee voting. Early voting locations are often different than Election Day polling locations.
In-person
Think through where and when you will be voting and know your rights.
- Look up your polling location in advance to inform your commute and schedule. For example, will it be easier for you to go before or after work/class/errands? Will you walk, bike, or drive yourself, or will you need a ride? Is there someone who you might volunteer to drive to the polls?
- Learn your polling location’s hours. If you are in line before polls close, you may vote even after closing time.
- Check voting requirements in your state. You may need to bring an ID or proof of residency to receive your ballot.
- Will you need assistance at the polls? Voters with disabilities or who have difficulty reading or writing English have the right to receive assistance at the polls from the person of their choice. Learn more on the ACLU websiteopens in new window.
- Consider whether you need to request time off from work to vote. 28 states and the District of Columbia require employers to give employees time off to voteopens in new window.
Save information on where to find help on Election Day
While we hope your voting experience will be smooth, there are nonpartisan voter hotlines that can help you navigate the unexpected. A number of hotlines are available on Election Day in case you forget your polling location, need help asking for a provisional ballot, or need legal assistance (e.g. a polling location is noncompliant with federal law or you encounter voter intimidation):
- 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
- 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)
- 1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)
Voting is not the only way to participate in an election
Regardless of your voting eligibility, you may
- Educate eligible voters and encourage them to vote through social media, by volunteering with a campaign, or signing up to be a poll worker.
- Educate candidates on the importance of psychological science and access to mental and behavioral health services. Use our talking points page to inspire content you can share with candidates with whom you come into contact.
Already have a plan? Use this guide to help friends and family make their plan.