The final day to cast a vote in 2022 midterm elections is on Tuesday, November 8.
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Voting in the midterm elections ends on Nov. 8, but there is still plenty of time to cast your ballot.
In most states, voters can cast their ballots either in-person during early voting or on Election Day or they can vote by mail.
Here’s a guide to the most important things you should know as Election Day approaches.
Many Americans have already cast their ballots in the 2022 midterm elections. If you haven’t yet, there are still several days left to vote. The last day to cast your ballot is Tuesday, November 8.
Since the pandemic, election officials have made it easier and safer for Americans to cast their ballots.
Here are 12 interactive charts, maps, and graphics Insider made to make it easier to navigate the rules and deadlines when it comes to voting in the 2022 election:
What is the deadline to register to vote in my state?
While the deadline to register to vote online or by mail has passed in most states, 17 states and the District of Columbia offer same-day and in-person voter registration.
Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming all allow voters to register on Election Day.
In order to vote in the US you must be 18 years of age or older and a citizen. When completing your registration you’ll need to provide the number on your driver’s license or non driver state ID card or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
For voters who are already registered, but have moved, changed addresses, or want to check to make sure their voter registration is still active, they can update their registration at sites in states where same-day voter registration is allowed.
When does early voting begin and end?
Early voting for the the 2022 midterm elections on November 8 has already begun.
Start and end times for early voting vary by state, but can extend all the way up to Election Day. Casting your ballot early gives you a chance to avoid potentially long lines and having to send your vote via snail mail.
Early voting locations may differ from those on actual Election Day, so be sure to check with your local elections precinct to clarify where you can vote early. Additionally, some states require certain forms of identification to be presented to polling workers when you cast your ballot, so don’t forget to see what forms of photo or non-photo ID are accepted in your state.
If you miss the deadline to vote early, you can vote in-person on Tuesday, November 8.
What time do the polls open and close on Election Day?
For voters who choose to cast their ballots in-person on Election Day, the times polls open and close vary by each state.
Most states have polling sites open for at least 12 hours a day. As noted in the chart, some opening and closing times are dependent on what county and time zone the polling places are located in, so be sure to verify what times your local precinct is open for voting hours.
States that are split between two time zones may not have full election results available until the last polling station closes.
Be prepared to wait in line with your state’s required proof of identification form ready.
As long as you are in line by the time the polling station closes, you should be able to cast your ballot in every US state.
Do I need to bring identification with me to cast my ballot?
In 38 states, voters who head to the polls on Election Day will need to provide proof of identification to poll workers.
The other 13 states do not require voters to show any form of ID when casting their ballot.
There are four classifications for states with voter ID laws: strict photo, non-strict photo, strict non-photo, and non-strict non-photo.
For states with photo ID requirements (strict photo and non-strict photo), proper forms of identification that must be shown to poll workers in order to vote include a state-issued driver’s license, non-driver ID or voter card, US passport, or a military, tribal, student, or state employee card. Most states have exemptions for citizens who cannot be photographed due to their religious beliefs.
Non-photo ID states accept mail that verifies the voter’s name and address, including pay-stubs, bank statements, and rent or utility bills. Voters can also use official government mailings as their proof of ID.
Stricter states require voters to cast a provisional ballot or later provide proof of residency to their election officials in order for their votes to count. In less strict states, voters without the required documentation are allowed to cast a sworn affidavit, reasonable impediment declaration, or have a poll worker vouch for them to vote.
Can I take time off work to vote?
In order to alleviate the stress of having to miss work in order to vote, many states have begun to mandate that employers give their employees time off so they can head to the polls.
At this time there is no federal mandate for time off, however many states have taken the initiative. Currently 22 states and the District of Columbia offer employees paid time off to vote. There are seven states that offer unpaid time off. Ohio doesn’t have a specific limit for voting time off, however only salaried employees are able to receive compensation for their time off to vote, as noted in the chart.
There are 20 states that still do not offer any time off accommodations for employees looking to vote early or on Election Day.
Make sure to check the laws in your state and alert your employer in advance if you plan to take time off to cast your ballot.
Can I vote by mail?
Seven states and the District of Columbia conduct all-mail elections. This means that voters do not have to request their absentee ballots because the state will send them out to most or all voters automatically. Voters in these states can vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day as well.
Excuses are required in 16 states in order to vote by mail.
The deadline to request a ballot has passed in most states, but there is still time to submit them to election officials if you have not yet done so. Many states will accept ballots as long as they have been postmarked or received by Election Day, November 8.
When will I get my absentee ballot in the mail?
Many voters may have chosen to vote by mail. The deadline to request an absentee ballot has passed in most states, so voters should have already received their ballots in the mail.
Most states began sending mail-in ballots in September and October.
If you requested an absentee ballot, but have not yet received it, you can vote in-person at the polls on Election Day in most states. You may be required to submit a provisional ballot or sign an affidavit canceling your mail-in ballot if you vote at the polling place. Make sure you check what is required by your state to vote on Election Day if you did not receive your ballot in the mail.
When is the deadline to submit my mail-in ballot?
Many states require mail-in ballots be postmarked or received by Election Day.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed in many states, however there are some states that allow requests within a week of the election.
The earlier you submit your ballot, the better to avoid any possible delays with the Postal Service. You can also drop off your ballot at some in-person polling locations during early voting and on Election Day.
Make sure to check if your state requires the ballot to be postmarked or received by the due date listed. On average, first-class mail takes two to five days to be delivered, so it is best to set aside enough time for your ballot to be received on time for counting.
Does my absentee ballot need to be verified?
Some states have implemented ballot verification rules to ensure the authenticity of a voter’s ballot.
Currently, 27 states require absentee ballots to be verified using a few different methods: signature match, voter signature only, notary or witness signatures, photo ID, or the last four digits of a person’s Social Security number.
If a ballot is rejected, oftentimes it will be returned to the voter so that they can correct the error. This is called the signature “cure” process. There are 24 states that require voters to be notified when there is a signature missing or a signature discrepancy on their ballot. In states where this process is not required, ballots are thrown out. Be sure to check if your state has a signature curing process and what you can do to make sure your ballot is counted if it was sent back to you.
How do people in the military or overseas vote?
Every state allows members of the military stationed overseas and US citizens living abroad to submit their ballots by mail. Some states allow ballots to be submitted by fax or online.
As required by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act, military voters and other US citizens abroad can use the Federal Post Card Application to request their absentee ballot. This application both serves as a way for citizens to complete their voter registration and request their absentee ballots ahead of the election at the same time.
It can be difficult to submit a mail-in ballot on time when you are a military voter, especially when mail delivery can be unreliable in some areas. As an alternative option, 32 states accept ballots through online portals or by fax.
Military members or citizens stationed overseas can also register to vote and request their absentee ballots from the nonpartisan Overseas Voter Foundation.
Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?
Voting rights for Americans with felony convictions have been at least partially restored in most states, but there are many felons who are still facing obstacles to exercising their right to vote.
There are currently 48 states where voting rights have been restored to some extent. Only Vermont, Maine, and the District of Columbia allow all people with felony convictions to vote.
In 21 states, those with felony convictions can vote after they’re released from prison. In 16 other states, these individuals can vote after they complete their time in prison, parole, and/or probation. In 11 states, people with felony convictions are indefinitely disenfranchised.
Can I take a “ballot selfie”?
Social media has become a popular way for people to encourage others to exercise their right to vote. Posting photos of yourself with your ballot — also known as a “ballot selfie” — is one way voters share how they’re exercising their rights. This can be anything from a picture with a mail-in ballot to a photo of an “I voted” sticker. While this may be allowed at certain polling places, many states actually have laws making it illegal to snap selfies at the voter booth or take photos of a marked ballot.
While state laws don’t specifically ban posting photos of ballots on social media, they do prohibit showing marked ballots to others. These laws are to protect voters from bribery, vote-buying, and voter coercion, securing Americans’ right to a secret ballot.
Currently, 27 states and the District of Columbia allow voters to take ballot selfies or use cell phones at the polls. Some states let voters use their phones to access information about the candidates if they need assistance making their decision on Election Day.
Phone usage or ballot selfies are completely banned in 20 states.
Many polling places will display signs indicating the rules of phone use, so be sure to check what your local station does and does not allow.