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USA.gov: Voting and Elections

A research guide that provides a tour through USA.gov. USA.gov is the official web portal of the United States federal government.

Voting and Elections

Voter Registrations, Requirements, and Deadlines

Voter Registration Deadlines for the General Election by State

Find your state's voter registration deadlines for the Federal General Election—to be held on November 8 this year. This page provides a summary of information taken from state election office websites. This information can change. For the most complete and up-to-date information, contact your state election office. Select your state name below to be taken directly to its election office website.

 

Choosing Candidates to Vote For

 
 When evaluating candidates for public office, it's important to decide what strengths you're looking for in a candidate, to research their positions on the issues, to learn about their leadership abilities, and to recognize any distortions in the information and opinions they express.
 
Watch the Debates
 
Research Candidates' Views
 
Research a Candidate Who is Holding Office or Who Has Held Office
 
Further Information
 
 For information about where and how to vote, or for ballot measures in your state, contact your state election office.

Find My State or Local Election Office

How To Vote

 
Find information on absentee voting, early voting, and voting on Election Day. And make sure you've registered to vote.
 
Absentee and Early Voting
 
Learn about absentee and early voting as alternatives to voting on Election Day. Find out if you're eligible and the rules that apply for your state.
 
What's on this page
  • Absentee Voting
  • USAGov's Voting Guide for Military Members and Americans Abroad

 

Voter ID Requirements

Two-thirds of states request or require that you provide some form of identification before you’re allowed to vote at the polls.

 

Voter Registration Age Requirements by State

Find your state's voter registration age requirements.

 

Presidential Election Process

 
Learn about the Presidential election process, including the electoral college, caucuses and primaries, and the national conventions.
 
 
What's on this page
  • Overview of the Presidential Election Process
  • Presidential Primaries and Caucuses
  • General Election Campaigning
  • Get the Free Kids.gov Poster that Shows the Steps to Become President
  • U.S. Constitutional Requirements for Presidential Candidates
  • National Conventions
  • Electoral College

 

Voting Election Laws and History

 
Know the laws that protect your right to vote and govern the elections process. Find results of past federal elections. Learn how voting methods and habits have evolved.
 
 
Become a Poll Worker
 
Do you have a desire to serve your community and country? One of the most rewarding ways to do this is to become an Election Day poll worker. And millions of Americans are needed to help out, particularly during a Presidential election.
 
 
Learn What Poll Workers Do and How the Become One
 
 
Voter ID Requirements
 
Two-thirds of states request or require that you provide some form of identification before you’re allowed to vote at the polls.
 
Voter Registration Age Requirements by State
 
Find your state's voter registration age requirements.
 
 
Voter Registration Deadlines for the General Election by State
 
 
Voting and Election Laws
 
Find the Constitutional amendments and laws that grant and protect our right to vote. Learn what constitutes an election crime and where to report it.
 
 
What's on this page
  • Voting Laws and Constitutional Amendments
  • Voter Accessibility Laws
  • Voter Fraud, Voter Intimidation, and Other Election Crimes
  • Women March for the Right to Vote
  • Federal Campaign Finance Laws