FAQs for VoterVirgins

Everyone experiences difficulty at the polls at least once in their adult life. Here you will find answers to a few awkward situations...

Can college students vote in their college town?

Yes. Absolutely, positively, yes, you can register to vote at your college residence. This does not mean you can vote in two places at once. Dorm dwellers with PO boxes need to check in with their dorm supervisors about providing an affidavit. There are all sorts of compelling reasons to vote where you go to school!

My absentee ballot did not arrive!

You had better get right on this or you will be SOL! See Overseas and Absentee Voting for details on tracking down your missing absentee ballot ASAP!

My name does not appear on the voter rolls (and it's too late to register)!

You are going to make a provisional vote. Just go to your polling place and ask for a provisional ballot. They are required to provide you with one. More details here.

My address has changed since I last registered to vote!

No problemo. Go to the polling place you are assigned to, vote, and then update your address after you vote. This happens all the time.

I lost my id! Can I still vote?

Yes, but you will have to prove who you are and possibly sign an affidavit to do so. Think of this as an adventure in democracy and go exercise your right to vote armed with anything that might help: bills in your name, work id, social security card, library card, a note from your mom.

Poll watchers told me to cover my t-shirt! WTF?

The polling place has a dress code! It's all about maintaining a neutral zone so fights don't break out. Technically, political t-shirts, buttons,and campaigning within a certain distance of the polling place door is strictly prohibited. Think peaceful thoughts and dress appropriately.

I am a victim of domestic abuse. Can I keep my address out of the public record?

Many states have adopted the Address Confidentiality Program which allows victims of domestic violence the right to hide their voter registration address with a simple request. The Stalking Resource Center has easy to follow tips for protecting your privacy.

How do I update the gender on my voter registration card?

The first step is to call your local election officials and ask them to correct your info. You may need to re-register to vote. The National Center for Transgender Equality is a great resource for getting all these issues straight ;) Be sure to read "Overcoming Voting Obstacles" while you are there!

I did some time in jail. Can I vote or not?

The short answer is "maybe". 5.3 million Americans have lost their right to vote revoked for a former felony offense. New laws allow some offenders to restore their right to vote. You can start by checking with your State Secretary of State's office or try the NAACP .

I am currently homeless. Can I still vote?

Today, homeless individuals in all states have the right to register and vote. When registering to vote, homeless voters only need to designate their place of residence, which can be a street corner, a park, a shelter, or any other location where an individual stays at night. For more detailed information including how to supply a mailing address see the Coalition for the Homeless.

Can I get a ride to the polls?

Polling places tend to be near public transportation. Most political parties and some candidates will offer free rides on election day. So, if it's sleeting, or your bike tire is flat, or you just don't feel like driving, let a volunteer pick you up.

How can I help protect the vote on election day?

You can be an official election polling place worker. Worried about your community being turned away from the polls? What if you were sitting behind the table? Local county officials will train you and put you to work at the polls. See your local county election official for details. You might like being a poll watcher (more info coming soon)

Who do I tell if I think someone is breaking an election law?

If see something fishy in a polling place, ask to speak to the election supervisor and follow the chain of command until you feel satisfied that your concern has been addressed. Or, call the Election Protection 365 Voter Hotline at 1-800-OUR VOTE for support.

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