Situation card · Know your rights
What to do if you're turned away from voting
What to do if a poll worker says you cannot vote, your name is not on the list, or you lack the right ID.
The 10-second version: say this
- Can you please check the list again?
- I would like to cast a provisional ballot.
Do not leave without voting. Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE if you need help.
Do
- Ask the poll worker to check again.
- Ask if you are at the right polling place.
- Ask for a provisional ballot.
- Write down names, times, and what happened.
Don't
- Don't leave without asking for a provisional ballot.
- Don't argue or raise your voice.
- Don't give up if you are in line at closing.
What a provisional ballot is
A provisional ballot is a ballot set aside and counted later. Officials first check whether you were eligible. In most states, federal law lets you cast one if a poll worker says you cannot vote a regular ballot. A few states with same-day registration at the polls handle this differently.
The Election Protection Hotline
Call or text 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). It is a free national hotline. Trained volunteers answer, including lawyers. They can help you while you are at the polling place.
Other languages:
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)
- Asian languages: 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683)
- Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287)
If your name is not on the list
- Ask the poll worker to check again. Names are sometimes misspelled or listed under a different name.
- Ask if you are at the right polling place. In many states, you must vote at your assigned place.
- If you are at the wrong place, ask where yours is. Go there if you have time.
- If it is not fixed, say: "I would like to cast a provisional ballot."
- Ask how to check later whether your ballot was counted. Most states let you check online.
If you do not have the ID they ask for
- ID rules differ by state. Some states require photo ID. Some accept other ID. Some do not ask for ID.
- If you do not have the right ID, ask for a provisional ballot.
- In some states, you can bring ID to the election office within a few days. Then your ballot can count. Ask about your state's rules.
If you are told you are not registered
- Ask: "Does this state allow same-day registration?"
- If yes, ask what you need. This often includes proof of where you live.
- If no, ask for a provisional ballot. It may or may not count, but it creates a record that you tried.
If someone tries to stop you from voting
- Scaring or threatening voters is illegal under federal law.
- Call the Election Protection Hotline.
- Write down the time, the place, and what the person said or did.
- You can also contact your state attorney general or the U.S. Department of Justice at 1-800-253-3931.
Before Election Day
Check your registration ahead of time at vote.gov. Most states let you check online in about a minute. Many also let you update your address online.
Common questions
What should I do if I'm turned away from voting?
Ask for a provisional ballot before you leave. First, ask the poll worker to check the list again and ask if you are at the right polling place. You can also call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) for free help.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is a ballot set aside and counted later, after officials check whether you were eligible. In most states, federal law lets you cast one if a poll worker says you cannot vote a regular ballot. Most states let you check online whether it was counted.
Who do I call if someone stops me from voting?
Call or text the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). It is free, and trained volunteers answer, including lawyers. You can also contact your state attorney general or the U.S. Department of Justice at 1-800-253-3931.
Can I vote without ID?
It depends on your state. Some states require photo ID, some accept other ID, and some do not ask for ID. If you do not have the right ID, ask for a provisional ballot. In some states, you can bring ID to the election office within a few days.
What if I'm told I'm not registered?
Ask if your state allows same-day registration. If it does, ask what you need, which often includes proof of where you live. If it does not, ask for a provisional ballot. It may or may not count, but it creates a record that you tried.
Does a provisional ballot count?
It counts if officials confirm you were eligible. Rules for counting differ by state. In many states, you must vote at your assigned polling place for your ballot to count. Ask how to check later whether your ballot was counted.
Is there a voting hotline in Spanish?
Yes. The Spanish-language Election Protection Hotline is 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682). Other lines include 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683) for Asian languages and 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287) for Arabic. Trained volunteers can help you while you are at the polling place.
The law you are citing
Fifteenth Amendment (1870): States cannot block you from voting because of your race.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Nineteenth Amendment (1920): States cannot block you from voting because of your sex.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Twenty-fourth Amendment (1964): No one can charge you a tax to vote in a federal election.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Twenty-sixth Amendment (1971): If you are 18 or older, states cannot block you from voting because of your age.
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
Get help
- Election Protection Hotline1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
- Hotline in Spanish1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)
- U.S. Department of Justice voting rights line1-800-253-3931