COVID-19

Voting During COVID-19? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ensure your voice is heard by preparing to vote by mail.

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No one should have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote.

For many, the best way to vote while safeguarding your health during this time may be to vote by mail. It’s easy to request an absentee ballot, and there’s still enough time to do so for most states with upcoming primaries. While some states limit who can vote absentee — for example, people with health issues, disabilities, or other circumstances that may prevent them from voting in person — most states allow anyone to vote this way. 

This weekend, make a plan to vote — and then, tell a friend!

VOTE BY MAIL CHECKLIST 

  • Check your voter registration status at Can I Vote.
    • If you are not registered to vote, go to vote.gov to find your options. This link will provide information about your registration options, which may include online registration.
  • Find the date by which your application for an absentee ballot must be received and other requirements here
    • As states make emergency election changes due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to refresh this chart to get more up-to-date information about who is eligible to cast a vote-by-mail ballot during the presidential primary in your state. This information is currently being updated regularly.
    • Remember that public health officials recommend that you not lick ballot envelopes, but instead use a wet sponge or cloth to seal them.
  • Know Your Voting Rights: Learn more about how to exercise your voting rights and access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls. For help at the polls, call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

TAKE ACTION 

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE 

Sophia Lakin is the Deputy Director of the ACLU Voting Rights Project.