What happens next
Voting on Election Day: what happens next, step by step
What happens at your polling place, from getting in line to casting your ballot, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Voting usually takes a few minutes once you reach the front of the line. Rules differ by state, so check yours at vote.gov first.
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Step 1 of 7 · Days before
Before you go
What usually happens
- Each state sets its own rules for registration, ID, and polling places.
What you can do
- Check that you are registered at vote.gov.
- Look up your polling place. It may not be the closest one.
- Check what ID your state asks for, if any.
- Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal and state elections.
- Voting in a federal election when you are not a citizen is a crime. It can lead to deportation.
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Step 2 of 7 · On Election Day
Get in line
What usually happens
- There may be a line. Poll hours are set by your state.
What you can do
- If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. In most states, you can still vote.
Say“I was in line before the polls closed. I want to vote.”
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Step 3 of 7
Check in
What usually happens
- A poll worker looks for your name and may ask for ID.
What you can do
- Give your name and address.
- If your state asks for ID, show it.
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Step 4 of 7
If your name isn't on the list
What usually happens
- You may be at the wrong polling place, or there may be a mistake in the records.
What you can do
- Ask the poll worker to check again, including spelling and your address.
- Ask if you are at the right polling place.
- If you are still not found, ask for a provisional ballot. In federal elections, federal law says you can cast one.
- A provisional ballot may not count if you are at the wrong polling place. Ask where you should vote.
Say“I would like to cast a provisional ballot.”
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Step 5 of 7
Mark your ballot
What usually happens
- You vote in private. Polling places must have a way for voters with disabilities to vote privately and on their own.
What you can do
- If a disability or trouble reading makes voting hard, you can bring a helper. It can't be your boss or a union official.
- If you make a mistake, ask for a new ballot before you turn it in. Most places allow this.
Say“I made a mistake. May I have a new ballot?”
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Step 6 of 7
Cast your ballot
What usually happens
- You put your ballot into the scanner or ballot box, or submit it on a machine.
What you can do
- If you cast a provisional ballot, ask how to check whether it was counted.
- Some states ask provisional voters to show ID or sign a form within a few days. Ask what you need to do.
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Step 7 of 7
If something goes wrong
What usually happens
- Threatening or scaring voters is illegal under federal law.
What you can do
- Call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).
- In Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682). In Asian languages: 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683). In Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287).
- Write down what happened, the time, and who was involved.
Common questions
What if my name isn't on the voter list?
Ask the poll worker to check again and confirm you are at the right polling place. If you still aren't found, ask for a provisional ballot. In federal elections, federal law says you can cast one.
Can I get a new ballot if I make a mistake?
Usually, yes, if you haven't turned it in yet. Ask a poll worker for a new one. Most states allow a few replacement ballots.
What should I do if someone tries to scare me at the polls?
Tell a poll worker and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). Threatening voters is illegal under federal law.