One more day! Polls across the United States will open for Election Day on Tuesday, November 8, allowing voters to finally cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or a third-party presidential candidate after a long, bitter campaign season.
If you haven’t already voted early or sent in an absentee ballot, here’s some important information you should know before heading to the polls on Tuesday.
Am I Registered to Vote?
Most voter registration deadlines have already passed, but a handful of states allow citizens to register on Election Day: Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming. North Dakota residents may also head to the polls, as it is the only state that doesn’t require traditional voter registration.
If you’re unsure about your registration status, you can check online at CanIVote.org.
Where Do I Go?
Google created an enhanced search feature for the 2016 presidential election that allows users to find their nearest polling location. Simply search “where to vote,” then enter the street address associated with your voter registration in the search box that appears. Google will do the rest of the work for you and, within seconds, display your designated polling place via Google Maps, as well as the hours of operation.
Do I Need to Bring Anything With Me?
Most states require voters (especially first-time voters) to present a valid photo ID card upon entering the polling place, but the rules vary by state. Full voter ID requirements are listed on RockTheVote.com.
What Time Can I Vote?
The polls open and close at different times in each state, but most are open for at least 12 hours. To find out your local polling location’s hours, search in the Google feature (noted above) or visit Ballotpedia.org.
Who Am I Voting For?
Last, but certainly not least, it’s important to be informed about each candidate before exercising your right to vote. The 2016 presidential candidates include Hillary Clinton (Democratic Party), Donald Trump (Republican Party), Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) and Jill Stein (Green Party), among others.
