VOTING 101: TIPS & RESOURCES

We've worked with groups in USCAN to put together every resource you'll need to figure out how to vote safely this year!

☑ Before You Vote

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• Check your Louisiana voter registration and if not active, make sure to register to vote.
• Know your state election information, including registration deadlines, early voting dates, absentee ballot requirements, and identification requirements.
  • Learn about how COVID-19 may be impacting the election in your state.
•  If planning to vote by mail, request an absentee ballot.
  •  Check the qualifications for early and absentee ballot voting for your region.
• Sign up for election reminders (i.e., text, email).
• Locate your polling place, and make a plan for how to safely return your ballot.
  • If you have concerns on making sure your ballot gets counted or questions on open polling sites, contact your local county clerk to ask how they plan to secure your ballot.

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Upon successfully registering to vote and/or requesting a mail-in ballot, make a plan!
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🏃🚗 Voting In Person Arrangements 🚲💃

1. Make sure your polling location remains open for in-person voting.
   1. Some counties have the option to consolidate polling places amid COVID-19--ensure yours remains open by contacting your local county clerk.
   2.  Take careful considerations for voting in person at polling locations amid COVID-19, as increased individual interactions lead to higher risk of spread.
2. Remember to bring an acceptable photo or non-photo ID to the polls--identification requirements vary by state.
3. Plan for transit issues and delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
   1. Stay on the lookout for organizations offering free rides on election day.
4. Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure your safety and the safety of others. 
   1. Consider bringing extra PPE for other fellow voters. 

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​📬 Voting By Mail Arrangements 📭

1. Request your mail-in ballot:
   1. Check your state election office for specific rules for your state. You must be registered to vote before you will be sent an absentee ballot.
   2. If your state doesn’t automatically send you an absentee ballot or form to fill out, request one--use this website to help you complete an absentee ballot request.
   3. Plan for absentee ballot deadlines and which elections are coming up in your state.
2.  Returning your absentee ballot:
   1. Learn about your options to exercise absentee or early voting in your state.
      1. Mail or drop off your ballot as soon as can.

1. If you prefer to hand-in your ballot in-person:
   1. Check with your state or local election office for specific procedures before you go.
   2. If available, you can take your absentee ballot to your designated polling place on Election Day.
   3. Your polling place may change, due to COVID-19, so check before you go.  You may either uncast your absentee ballot for an in-person ballot or you will complete an absentee ballot to be turned in.

​State-by-State Information
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The Best Way to Vote in Every State provides details on:

• Registration deadlines
• Early in-person voting
• Voter ID requirements
• Vote by mail details
• Potential hurdles and voting accessibility ​

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Election Protection: 866 Our Vote provides details, in multiple languages, on:

• Voting deadlines (by mail and in-person)
• Polling locations
• Registration deadlines
• Voter ID requirements
• Voting eligibility requirements (i.e., felony convictions, residency)
• Details on reporting incidents if you encounter voter suppression 
  • Call (866) OUR-VOTE if you think someone is illegally being denied the vote, if your polling machine breaks, or if there aren’t enough ballots, etc. ​

Download the USCAN Voting 101 Guide below