Black Voter Ready Advisory
A nonpartisan voter advisory for Black communities. Make a plan, know your rights, and report any problem.
Check your registration now
Do this first. It takes about two minutes.
- Confirm you are registered and your address is current at Vote.gov, which links to your state’s election office.
- Registration deadlines and same-day registration rules vary by state. If you missed a deadline, check whether your state lets you register when you vote.
- Moved, changed your name, or had a past conviction? Rules differ by state. Verify yours before assuming you cannot vote.
Know the whole ballot
The top of the ticket is only part of what you will decide.
Look up your sample ballot
Use your local election office or Vote411.org to see every race and question before you go.
Look beyond the top race
Judges, sheriffs, prosecutors, school boards, county councils, and local ballot measures often shape daily life more directly than national races: policing, schools, housing, taxes, and health care.
Compare candidates on what matters to you
- List the issues that matter most to you and your family, such as jobs and wages, housing costs, health care, schools, public safety, and voting access.
- Compare each candidate’s record and stated positions against your list.
- Use nonpartisan sources such as Ballotpedia, candidate forums, and official voter guides.
- Be cautious with anything on social media you cannot trace to its source.
Make your voting plan
People who write down when and how they will vote are more likely to follow through. Check off each step.
Your checks are saved only in this browser on this device.
Voting by mail?
- Follow the instructions exactly, including any signature or witness requirement.
- Return your ballot early. If your state offers ballot tracking, use it.
- If something looks wrong with your ballot, contact your local election office right away.
Know your rights
Rules vary by state, but these basics apply in nearly every state.
In line when polls close? Stay in line.
If you are in line at closing time, you can still vote.
Name missing or eligibility questioned? Ask for a provisional ballot.
Nearly every state offers one. Ask how to check later that it was counted.
- You may ask for help if you have a disability or need language assistance.
- No one may intimidate, harass, or pressure you at the polls.
Watch for misinformation
Be wary of messages claiming the election date has changed, that you can vote by text or phone, or that you should stay home. When in doubt, check with your official local election office.
If something goes wrong at the polls
Your safety comes first. Stay calm, tell a poll worker right away, and do not give up on voting. There is usually more than one way to get your vote counted.
Your polling place is threatened, evacuated, or closed
- Follow the instructions of police and poll workers and move to safety. Call 911 if you feel unsafe.
- Ask a poll worker or officer how and when voting will resume, and where else you can vote.
- Call your local election office and the hotline below right away. Courts can order polls to stay open longer, but only when problems are reported quickly.
- Check your election office’s official website for updates. Ignore unverified texts or posts telling you to go home.
- If you cannot vote where you are, go to another polling place or vote center if one is available, ask for a provisional ballot there, or return later in the day.
You are turned away or prevented from voting
- Stay calm and ask for the reason. Write down the poll worker’s name and the time.
- Ask for a provisional ballot.
- Ask to speak with the chief election judge or a supervisor.
- Call the hotline from the spot. Trained volunteers and lawyers can help in real time.
Long lines, long delays, or broken machines
- Stay in line. Ask a poll worker about the wait, and about curbside or accessible voting if you need it.
- If machines are down or ballots run out, ask for a paper or provisional ballot. Do not leave without voting.
- If the screen shows the wrong choice, ask for help correcting it before you cast your vote.
- Report long waits to the hotline. Delays and shortages can be grounds for extending voting hours.
Name not on the list, wrong location, or ID challenge
- Ask the poll worker to double-check. You may be at the wrong polling place, so confirm yours with your local election office.
- Ask exactly what ID is required and why. If it cannot be resolved, ask for a provisional ballot.
Threats, intimidation, or harassment
- Do not argue or confront anyone.
- Move away and tell a poll worker or election judge. Call 911 if you feel unsafe.
Write it down
Note the time, location, what happened, and any names or badge numbers. Do not photograph other voters or ballots. Then report it. Even if you were able to vote, your report can protect the next voter.
Get help
Election Protection Hotline
866-OUR-VOTE866-687-8683. Report every problem, even if you got to vote.
Vote.gov for registration and state election office links.
Vote early if you can. Bring someone with you. Make sure every voice in your household counts.