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The Trump Administration has attempted to restrict mail-in voting and gather voter data from several states. There have also been concerns raised about the presence of federal agents at polling stations, which President Donald Trump has not categorically ruled out.
What's on my ballot?Who can register to vote?How can I check my voter registration status?When is the deadline to register to vote?What documents do I need to register to vote?Can I vote if my voter registration is inactive?How can I update my registration (change of name, address, party enrollment)?How do I vote early—and what are the benefits of early voting?How do I request an absentee ballot?What's the difference between absentee voting and vote-by-mail?How do I know if my mail-in ballot arrived and was counted?What if there’s an issue with my mail-in ballot? Can I fix it?Do I need to bring my ID to vote?What’s the best time to vote to avoid long lines?Can I bring my kids or dog to the polls?What should I do if someone tries to stop me from voting?What do I do if I see ICE or federal agents at the polls?How late are polls open? —Joe Raedle—Getty ImagesAnswers:
Unlike presidential election years, there is no candidate or issue that appears on every ballot across the U.S. in 2026.
In four states—Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia—voters will be deciding on ballot measures concerning abortion rights. Voters in six states, including Alaska and Arizona, will decide on whether to add or strengthen citizenship requirements for voting in state and local elections.
Many official websites—including those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York City—also have their own “What’s On My Ballot” pages, which allow voters to enter their address and look up a sample ballot. —Rebecca Schneid
Who can register to vote?
Voters must also meet their state’s residency requirements, but people who are experiencing homelessness or who are between homes also are able to vote. Depending on state law, they may need identification. They can generally use a shelter, religious center, or P.O. box as a mailing address and identify the place where they live or sleep as their residential address.
In some states, people who were convicted of a felony or are currently incarcerated are also restricted from voting. Check this federal voter guide for voting after a felony conviction to see what rules exist in your state. —Rebecca Schneid
If you’re not already registered to vote, you may be able to register online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state. Check your state’s requirements and registration deadline before submitting an application. —Chantelle Lee
When is the deadline to register to vote?
In most cases, you will need a driver’s license or state identification card—or information from one—to register to vote. If you don’t have either, your state may accept other documentation, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state election office to find out what information and documents you will need. —Anna Gordon
Can I vote if my voter registration is inactive?
Voters can contact their state or local election office to learn how to restore their registration to active status and what identification or documentation may be required. —T. Michelle Murphy
To change a name or address, voters generally follow the same process used to register to vote. They can use the national Election Assistance Commission map, click their state, and see how each state prefers updates to voter registration.
—Ellen Schmidt—AP
How do I vote early—and what are the benefits of early voting?
People who want to avoid long lines and those who might not have time to go to their polling location on Election Day may wish to take advantage of early voting. Early voting began in four states Sept. 18 and will expand to the rest throughout October.
The process for early voting differs depending on your state. You can find the specific times and rules for early voting in your state at USA.gov. —Chantelle Lee
U.S. citizens living outside the country, absent members of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine, and their eligible family members can register to vote and request an absentee ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program. They can do so by completing a Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA, using the U.S. address that establishes their voting residence. For overseas citizens, this is generally the last place they lived before leaving the country; for military voters, it is generally their address in their state of legal residence. The completed form must be signed and returned to the appropriate election office in accordance with that state’s submission requirements. —Rebecca Schneid
What's the difference between absentee voting and vote-by-mail?
In states where vote-by-mail exists, all active registered voters are automatically delivered a vote-by-mail ballot to their registered address. Eight states—California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington—conduct elections this way.
—David Paul Morris—Bloomberg via Getty Images
Most states offer some form of online ballot tracking, according to Vote.org. Illinois, Missouri, and Wyoming do not have statewide online mail-ballot trackers, although tracking may be available in some local jurisdictions.
What if there’s an issue with my mail-in ballot? Can I fix it?
If election officials identify a problem with your ballot, they may notify you and give you an opportunity to fix—or “cure”—it, depending on your state and the type of problem.
The criteria for rejection varies by state, but to prevent your ballot from being rejected, do your best to ensure it’s returned in good condition and early. A missing or unverifiable signature can cause your ballot to be rejected. —Simmone Shah
—David Jennings—Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty ImagesIf you do not have the requested identification, you may still be able to vote by signing a statement confirming your identity or casting a provisional ballot. In some states, you must provide acceptable identification after Election Day in order for your ballot to be counted. Federal law also requires certain first-time voters who registered by mail to provide identification if their identity was not verified during registration. —T. Michelle Murphy
What’s the best time to vote to avoid long lines?
Since polling hours and conditions vary by county, and even within a county, wait times can be unpredictable. But early mornings and after-work hours tend to be the busiest times.
However, there is no universally confirmed “least busy” time to vote. —Solcyre Burga
Dogs, however, are a different story. Voters are allowed to bring certified service animals to voting sites, but accommodations for pets and emotional support animals vary by location. It is best to presume they are not allowed but to look into the specific guidelines for your polling location. —Rebecca Schneid
—Charlie Neibergall—Getty ImagesWhat should I do if someone tries to stop me from voting?
The same service is also available for non-English voters. Spanish speakers can call 888-VE-Y-VOTA. Most Asian language speakers can find assistance in their native language at 888-API-VOTE. Arabic speakers can call 844-YALLA-US.
The Trump Administration has not said that immigration enforcement officers would be at the polls this November, but it also has not ruled out the possibility. When asked in May whether he would deploy federal agents on Election Day, Trump told reporters that he would do “anything necessary” to make sure the U.S. has “honest” elections.
Gen. Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Aug. 31 that there are no plans to station military personnel or the National Guard at polling sites.For voters, it’s important to know that federal interference at the polls is against the law. The law prohibits federal officials from stationing troops or armed personnel at polling places, except when necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. Voter intimidation is also, separately, prohibited and should be reported.
The American Civil Liberties Union suggests that voters look up the contact information for their local election officials here and report intimidation if it occurs before or on Election Day. —Rebecca Schneid
How late are polls open?
Polling hours vary state by state—sometimes even county by county. For example, poll closing times vary in North Dakota and New Hampshire; in such instances, you can utilize search functions on each state’s respective website.
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