Step 3: Protecting Your Right To Vote

Everybody knows the first time can be awkward. As a VoterVirgin, the more you know before you go, the better.

Knowledge is power.

You like power, right?

Verify:
More than 30 days before the election:
Verify that you are registered to vote with your county election officials. Sometimes a registration form gets lost or is incomplete and denied.

Be sure to verify while you still have time to get registered!

Identify Yourself:
Some states require voters to show a photo id
(sometimes 2 ids!)

Carry your voter registration card, at least one photo id, and one more form of identification when you go to vote. It can be helpful to take a bill in your name to verify the address where you are registered to vote.

IF YOU ARE REGISTERED, YOU CAN VOTE
Even if someone tells you "no" when you go to do it.
You may need to make a provisional vote if you are challenged at the polls.

Provisional ballot: If you are denied the right to vote, you are allowed to request a provisional ballot that will be counted should you qualify later as a legitimate voter. These are usually paper ballots that are sealed until a final decision is made. Available at a polling place near you as needed.

See:Frequently Asked Questions for more tips on Protecting Your Vote.

Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, Step 4 and Frequently Asked Questions