How to Find Out Where to Vote

Using Your Voter Registration Information

Check your voter information card to find your polling location if you have one. If you received a voter information card, it will have all of the information you need to find out where to vote. When you registered to vote, you may have received a card that lists your registration record, your party affiliation, your address, and your polling place address. Whenever you update your voting record you may receive a new copy of your voter information card, which will tell you your polling location. If you are in the US, you can request a free copy of your voter information from your local election office. Your voter information card is usually not required for you to vote at your polling location, but check your local election guidelines to be sure. If you have lost your card, or if you need a new one, you can get a replacement from your local election office, oftentimes for no charge.

Go online to find your polling location if you are a registered voter. If you are already a registered voter, you can search online for voting information websites that are dedicated to helping you find your polling station and cast your vote. You can enter your personal information to locate your voter registration, which will tell you where you are supposed to go to vote. You can also find your polling location for early voting and information regarding absentee voting, if that's an option where you live. If you live in the U.S., websites like Vote.org or Headcount.org can help you find your voter information with your polling location. Many election office websites also offer sample ballots so you can go to the polls with your choices ready to go!Tip: You can also register to vote online, or make changes to your voting registration.

Call your local election office to find your polling location. Nearly all local election offices have staff who are available to help you find where you need to go in order to vote. You can call them for assistance in locating your specific polling station. They can also help you find the polling location of a friend or family member who may not be sure where they need to go vote. Election offices often operate under normal business hours, so keep that in mind when giving them a call!

Contact a national hotline to locate your polling station. Your country may have national election hotlines sponsored by organizations dedicated to ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities to vote and have their votes counted. If your country has a national hotline, and you’re a registered voter, you can call one of them for assistance in locating your polling station. Many organizations also have resources to help arrange transportation to the polls as well. You may also be able to register to vote through the hotline. If you’re in the US, you can call the Voter Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683) to find out where you need to go in order to vote.

Voting by Mail

Check to see if your voting jurisdiction allows voting by mail. Many countries allow you to vote in elections by submitting a ballot through the mail. Contact your local election office to find out if they have the option of voting by mail. If they do, you can request a ballot, complete it, and mail it back in before the voting deadline. Be sure to fill out the ballot completely. Some jurisdictions may reject incomplete ballots.

Request a ballot if you are a military member overseas. If you’re in the armed services and are stationed out of the country, you may still be able to vote. Many nations offer programs to help their men and women in uniform cast their votes. You must request and complete a voter registration form and absentee ballot request, which will get you an absentee ballot that you can use to vote in an election. If you’re a member of the US armed forces, request and complete a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA), which will register you to vote and apply for an absentee ballot you can use to vote. You can pick up a copy at an embassy, consulate, or go online for a digital copy.

Use an absentee ballot if you will not be in town on election day. If you are out of town or out of the country on election day, you may be able to request an absentee ballot that allows you to mail in your votes. Request an absentee ballot from your local election office and fill it out. Be sure to mail it back ahead of any deadlines required. Check your local election guidelines to see if they allow absentee voting.Tip: Some locations require an excuse in order to be able to absentee vote. Be sure to check your local election guidelines.

Mail in your ballot. Some jurisdictions automatically mail a ballot to every eligible voter ahead of any upcoming elections. You can simply fill out the ballot and return it before the deadline listed on the ballot. Make sure you’ve casted your vote correctly before returning the ballot! Some locations have the option to vote by mail, but you must request a ballot. Contact your local election office to request a ballot. Some jurisdictions may offer mail-in ballots only for certain elections.