See other "FAQs".

We appreciate all questions that you have for us and built this list of Frequently Asked Questions (and those linked) from those we received. (To return to this list, use your Browser's "back" button.)

About Voting and Registering to Vote

See also "Register to Vote" and "On Voting".

How do I know whether I am registered to vote?

You must contact your local county Elections Office or Registrar of Voters by phone or email or in person. The Smart Voter page for your county has contact information. Key in your zip code

How do I register to vote?

Either contact your local county Elections Office (above) or find online forms to click, print, sign, and mail. Use these forms to register or change your existing voter registration.

Where is my polling location and when is it open?

Just key in your address and zip code into "My Ballot" and, if we have data for your election, you should see your polling location or a link to find it and the hours your polling place is open. You will also see the list of contests and candidates on your ballot if we have the data for your area.

How do I get an absentee or vote-by-mail ballot?

You may find information about obtaining an absentee ballot on your county page or on your county election official's website which is easily accessible from that page. Key in your zip code

Where are early voting locations in my area?

You may find information about early voting locations on your county page or on your county election official's website which is easily accessible from that page. Key in your zip code

What legislative or other voting districts am I in for this election?

Just key in your address and zip code into "My Ballot" and you will see the current districts which are having an election. Or browse our archives for a past election. Smart Voter uses official district data provided by your government when possible.

I'm already registered, but I have moved or want to change my party affiliation. What do I do?

You must get a registration form, fill it out, and turn it in by the deadline before the election in which you want to vote. See "Register to Vote".

I ran into some problems at my polling place. What can I do?

You may report these problems to your county's elections office (key in your zip to find contact information)
You may also call a toll-free National hotline about voting irregularities: 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This will be answered by the Election Incident Reporting System. See also Video the Vote.

May I wear a button or teeshirt or anything else with the name of a candidate into the polling place?

The details may vary from state to state, but, in general, no one is allowed to campaign for a candidate or ballot measure within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling location. This means you should not wear a teeshirt or a campaign button or carry flyers, for example, about any candidate, political party, or ballot measure. Consult your state's elections laws for details.