Five Things to Know Before You Vote in 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Election Day is less than 60 days away! It’s time to make sure you’ve checked off all the things you need to vote in 2016. Deadlines are fast approaching and some states will open early voting in September. Waiting or ignoring deadlines could put your vote in jeopardy.

Review USAGov‘s list of things to do before you vote to make sure you know all you need to know before November 8:

1. Register to vote: If you’re not already registered, look up your state on Vote.gov to begin the process. States have different deadlines, so check with your local election office to make sure you don’t miss yours. Follow up to verify that your registration has been processed correctly to avoid headaches onElection Day. You can check if you’re registered to vote in 2016 at CanIVote.org.
2. Research Candidates: Study the issues, learn how to research candidates, and find out what to look for in a debate. There are many issues and a lot of information out there. Do your homework and make an informed decision. An informed vote is a powerful vote.
3. Absentee and early voting: If you know you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day you can vote using an absentee ballot. While registered voters from every state can request an absentee ballot, some states require an excuse. Your state might also offer early voting. Contact your state election office or consult the National Conference of State Legislatures to learn more about your state’s voting options.
4. Find your polling place: It may sound obvious, but having a voting plan is one of the most important things you can do after registering. Work, school, picking up the kids, and grocery shopping can make any day hectic, so make it a point to find your polling station and familiarize yourself with its hours of operation. Plan ahead and make sure you vote on time. Find out where to vote at usa.gov/election-day.
5. Election Day: Voting takes time. Add a few extra minutes to your day and make sure you get to the polls before they close. Each state does things a little differently, contact your state election office to find out what documents you need to bring with you to vote.

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Still feeling overwhelmed? We’re here to help! Check out USA.gov/voting for more resources.

Stay up-to-date with VoteUSA, USAGov’s yearlong effort to help Americans become more informed about the 2016 election. Join the conversation using #VoteUSA or by following USAGov on Facebook and Twitter.

USAGov is a federal program that guides you to tips and tools in English and in Spanish from hundreds of government agencies, departments, and programs. We make it easier for you to find answers you can trust about government information and services–online, by phone, e-mail or chat, and in print.

5 Things To Know Before Election Day Infographic (PRNewsFoto/USAGov)

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