SHORTEN THIS TO ONLY SHOW THE VOTING PROCESS
On election day, voters get the opportunity to cast their votes and be active citizens. However, the voting process begins long before this day. Before a citizen can vote, they must register to vote. First, they must determine if they are eligible to vote. State and local requirements may vary, but you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old before the election to vote in federal elections. The steps to registering to vote can be slightly different, depending on where you live. Often citizens can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. Voter registration must be completed before the state’s voter registration deadline. In many cases, citizens will then be mailed a voter identification card.
On election day, voters will go to their designated voting locations, which are called polling places. This location is assigned to the voter in advance and is usually listed on the voter identification card. Each state has rules about who is allowed in a polling location to ensure that voters can cast their vote without being interrupted by anyone attempting to influence their vote.
Once voters arrive at their polling location, they will need to show proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Then they will receive a ballot to complete as well as instructions on how to complete it. It is important that voters can vote in privacy. Most polling locations have private booths for voters to complete their ballot.
Eligible United States citizens that are living outside of the United States or that are stationed overseas for the military can request an absentee ballot. This is a ballot that they can mail to their local election office by the election deadline and have their vote counted.