What to Know Before You Go Vote in Person on Tuesday

As the presidential election approaches on November 5, 2024, millions of Americans are preparing to cast their ballots in person. Here are some key points to consider before heading to the polls.

In Pennsylvania, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters in line by 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. It is crucial to check your voter registration status, which can be done online or by calling your county elections office. The deadline to register was October 21, so those not registered by then will not be able to vote.

Voters should also verify their polling location, as these can change. Inactive voters, who have not voted in two federal elections, need to fill out a form at the elections office to reactivate their registration. They may need to show identification but will be able to vote as normal.

In California, all active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, but they can still choose to vote in person. For those who requested a mail-in ballot, they must bring the ballot and return envelope to the polling place, surrender them, and fill out some paperwork before voting in person.

Identification is a critical aspect of in-person voting. In many states, including Utah and Pennsylvania, voters must bring a form of identification and proof of residence. Acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, state or federal government IDs, passports, and other forms of identification.

To avoid long lines, voters are advised to vote during less busy times, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon. It is also important to educate yourself on the candidates and issues on your ballot before arriving at the polling place. Additionally, voters should avoid wearing campaign gear to the polls and be respectful of other voters and poll workers.

If you encounter any issues, such as not having the required identification, you may be able to cast a provisional ballot. However, this ballot will only be counted after the county confirms your eligibility to vote.