If you don't know where to go to cast your ballot on Election Day, or...

If you're not sure if you are registered to vote in your home state...

You've come to the right place. This site was created by the nation's chief state election officials to help make voting as simple and convenient as possible. Keep reading and you'll find a step-by-step guide to voting in 2006. Just follow the steps and vote!

STEP 1: Find out if You're Registered.

Before you can cast a ballot, you have to register to vote. Click here to learn what the deadline is to register in your state.

Even if you think you are already registered, it's a good idea to check to make sure your records are up-to-date. Simply find your state, county or city in our drop down menu and click on the link to check your voter registration record.

If you don't see your state in the drop down menu, click here to find contact information for your local election official. Contact his or her office right away to make sure you're registered.

If you haven't registered to vote yet, register today. Simply click here to download the form you'll need. Follow the directions for completing the form and then mail it to the address that's listed for your state's chief election official. Please note that this form is for use by people who live in or have an address within the United States.

STEP 2: Locate Your Polling Place.

Next, you'll need to know where to go to cast your ballot. Many states, counties and cities offer online services that match your address to the correct voting location. Others simply list contact information for local election officials who you can contact to find out where your polling place is located. Just look for your place of residence in the drop down menu below, and click on the link to find out where you should go to vote.

STEP 3: Know What Kind of ID is Required.

The states' identification requirements for voters often differ from state-to-state, but don't worry. You don't have to know what every state's requirement is -- you just need to know what kind of ID your home state will accept. Just look up your state in the drop down menu below to find out what you need to take with you on Election Day.

STEP 4: Save the Date.

Be sure to mark your calendar so you don't forget to vote in your state's primary or caucus election and on Election Day. If you're not sure when the primary/caucus election is held in your state, you can find that information here. This year, general elections will be held on Tuesday, November 7. Click here to find out when your local polling place will be open on Election Day.

If you can't make it to the polls on Election Day, you may be qualified to vote absentee. Absentee voting is conducted by mail, and sometimes in person, before Election Day. Typically, you will be asked to provide a reason why you can't participate on Election Day. Contact your local election officials to request an absentee ballot application. You may find their contact information here.

Some states allow voters to vote early, even if they are able to make it to the polls on Election Day. This practice is often referred to as early voting or no-excuse absentee voting. If you are registered to vote in one of the states in the drop down menu below, click on your state's name to find information about voting early in person or by mail.

STEP 5: Learn about the Candidates.

You may want to prepare for Election Day by finding out who's running for office before you go to the voting booth. A nonpartisan group called Project Vote Smart provides lists of candidates and officeholders on their Web site. Just click here to visit their Web site and enter your zip code in the left-hand column to get more information on the candidates in your district and your state.

STEP 6: Be a Poll Worker.

If you're planning to go to the polls on Election Day, why not consider being a poll worker? Every state needs people to work at the polls, and in most states you can actually get paid for serving. Select your state, city or county from the drop down menu below to find out how you can apply.

STEP 7: Vote!

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Remind your friends and family to vote, too. In fact, you may even want to round up the eligible voters you know and take them to the polls with you on Election Day.

But most importantly, VOTE!

 

This Web site is brought to you by the National Association of Secretaries of State. Our members are the chief state election officials in 39 states.

NASS would like to extend our special thanks to Kansas.gov for hosting this site. Kansas.gov -- your government online, anytime!

 

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