Voting is an important way to say what you want to happen in your community and in our country.

You deserve to understand how voting works and how to get ready for Election Day.

Here are steps to help you learn, plan, and feel confident.

1. Learn Where You Can Vote

Most people vote at a polling place on Election Day.

A polling place is a spot in your community where you go to vote. It might be a school, a library, or a community center.

You can find your polling place on The Arc’s online Election Center.

Some states let you vote in other ways:

Early Voting

• You vote before Election Day.
• It may be easier because there are fewer people and more time.

Absentee or Vote by Mail

• You vote from home.
• You fill out a ballot and mail it back.
• Every state has different rules, so it is important to check what they are.

To learn about early voting or voting by mail in your state, use our Election Center.

2. Learn What You Will Vote On

On Election Day, you may vote for:

• President (every 4 years)
• Senators (every 6 years)
• Representatives (every 2 years)
• State leaders, like governors and state lawmakers
• Local leaders, like mayors and town council members

You may also vote on issues, such as:

• How the government spends money
• Changes to state laws or rules
• Changes to the state constitution (these changes are called amendments)

What you vote on depends on where you live.

You will vote by filling out your ballot.

A ballot includes the candidates and questions you can vote on in an election.

If you want to find out what will be on your ballot, visit Vote411.org/Ballot
They usually post these about two months before Election Day.

3. Learn About the Candidates and Issues

Once you know what is on your ballot, you can learn more. Here are some ways:

• Visit websites about the candidates or issues.
• Follow candidates on social media.
• Watch local news.
• Watch or attend debates.
• Look at trusted websites, like FactCheck.org (they do not take sides).
• Go to events like rallies or town halls.
• Invite candidates to speak with your self-advocacy group.
• Visit a candidate’s office and ask questions.
• Talk to groups you trust that do not support one side or another.

If something is confusing, you can:

• Ask a trusted group to explain it in simple words.
• Ask a trusted person to help you understand the differences. You do not have to vote the same way they do, though.

4. Make Your Voting Plan

A voting plan helps you feel ready. You can plan:

• How you will vote
  • At your polling place
  • Early
• By mail
• When you will vote
• How you will get there
• Who will help you, if you need help (you can choose who helps you vote)

Remember: You have the right to learn, ask questions, and make a plan that works for you.