FAQ S on Voting

FAQ’s on Voting

Again due to the fact that the electoral system is state-based, rules and processes around voting vary, sometimes greatly. Voting-by-mail rules, for example, are often detailed and usually quite unique to each state. Below are some things to bear in mind when thinking about voting:

 How will redistricting affect my vote? Redistricting certainly doesn’t affect your ability to vote, but it might affect who you are voting for, and it might affect your polling place location. For some, it will mean that a favorite legislator, who you have voted for in numerous elections, may no longer represent you. In this case, you will have a whole new palette of candidates to choose from. The process is meant to accommodate a changing and growing population and to equalize the number of constituents in a legislative congressional district.

 I’m not going to be at home during elections – how will I cast my vote? If you are going to be out of state during Election Day, inquire about early or absentee voting. The National Conference of State Legislatures has a map that can help you determine your state’s rules.

 I am interested in voting by mail – how do I do that? If you are interested in voting by mail and want more information on the process, contact your Secretary of State’s office or your local County Clerk’s office to learn about the mail-in process, rules about designating it as your preferred method of voting, etc.

 I spilled coffee on my mail-in ballot! What do I do? If you accidentally destroy your ballot or make a mistake when filling it out, you can still vote! Don’t panic – just call your County Clerk for instructions on obtaining a replacement ballot if you are a mail-in voter, or let an election official know if you are voting in person and you make an error on your ballot.

 If I am a mail-in voter, won’t my ballot be forwarded to my new address if I move? If you vote by mail, do not assume that your ballot will be forwarded if you move to a new address! Update your address on your voter registration immediately when moving and find out exactly how it will affect your vote by contacting your local County Clerk’s office.

 How do I make sure my mail-in ballot is received in time to be counted? If you vote by mail, you will likely have deadlines for mailing the ballot back or dropping it off at a designated location. If you are unsure about deadlines and requirements, inquire well ahead of Election Day. If you are mailing the ballot, allow adequate time for it to reach its destination and ensure you have the proper amount of postage.

 I vote by mail and am required to sign my ballot, but does anyone ever really verify my signature? If your method of voting requires signature verification, be consistent with your signature as it will be verified.  My daughter is in the military, serving overseas, and I am concerned that she will not get to vote or that it will not be counted. How can I help her? If you are or if you know a military voter, the Federal Voting Assistance Program is an excellent resource for information and assistance for those serving our country. Additionally, the United States Election Assistance Commission has several resources for both military and overseas voters.

 We are involved in a program to help the homeless and I was wondering, can a homeless person vote? The rules vary in all states, but the Veterans Party of America has a quick chart that summarizes state requirements. Note, however, that states that DO require an address often have provisions or special rules for the homeless that will still allow them to vote.