Time Until Election Day
If voting absentee or mail-in voting are not available options in your state, take these steps to prepare to vote safely in person during the covid pandemic.
Action 1: Be prepared.
- Check your voting location and requirements.
- Verify your voter registration information is 100% correct.
- Gather all necessary documents to avoid delays at the polling location.
- Review your district’s sample ballot (or here) at home to speed the process of casting your ballot at the polling location.
- If possible, complete any registration forms prior to arriving at the polling location.
- Bring your own black ink pen and #2 pencil.
- Bring a stylus or similar object for use with touchscreen voting machines. Check with poll workers before using.
- Contact your local or state election office for additional information for disabled voters.
Action 2: Vote early in person.
Many US states allow voting early in person. Consult this list to find out when your state’s early voting begins and vote as early as possible.
Action 3: Avoid crowds.
- Use early in-person voting, if available in your jurisdiction (check here).
- Vote at off-peak times, such as mid-morning.
- If driving to the polls and your schedule allows, monitor the voter line from your car and join it when it’s shorter.
Action 4: Protect yourself and others from COVID-19. (Sources: CDC, Brennan Center)
- Wear a mask.
- Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the polling location.
- Maintain at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) of distance from others. It is important to continue physical distancing even when you and others are wearing masks.
- If you do not feel well, request curbside voting, if available.
- Avoid bringing non-voters or children with you.
- Wash your hands or sanitize your hands after using the voting equipment.
- Note: Do not disinfect or wipe down the voting equipment which can be damaged by cleaners and disinfectants.
Action 5: Stay in line.
If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. You should still be allowed to vote.
Action 6: Report voting issues or voter suppression.
Call 866-OUR-VOTE.
Action 7: Post on social media that you voted. Be creative!
Sharing why you vote (rather than how or for whom you voted) is inspiring and can motivate apathetic citizens to participate too.
Action 7: Encourage others to vote.
Use AoCC’s fun, thorough list of actions that encourage others to participate in the 2020 election. Click here!
Read about this Election 2020 Challenge from Americans of Conscience Checklist.