Election Day, November 5, 2024, is creeping up faster than a cat meme goes viral. But what’s the plan if you’re traveling on Election Day and can’t hit up your local polling place? Whether you’re jet-setting for work, basking on a beach, or crashing at grandma’s, being MIA doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the voting fun. Good news: you can still make your voice heard even when you’re out and about.
But here’s the kicker: you need to get a move on ASAP. Don’t let procrastination win — act now! Here’s your cheat sheet on registering to vote and making sure your vote counts while you’re living that traveler’s life on Election Day.
Why You Should Register Early if You’re Traveling on Election Day
It might seem easy to assume you’ll be able to vote when you get back home, but Election Day is often more complicated than people expect — especially if travel is involved. If you’re planning to be out of town, you must register to vote in advance and explore alternative options like absentee voting or early voting.
Voter registration deadlines vary by state, and some states require you to register up to 30 days before the election. You can check your state’s voter registration deadline here. If you miss this window, you may be out of luck, especially if you’re out of the state or country on Election Day.
In addition to missing the voter registration window, you may miss the chance to vote if you don’t explore absentee or early voting options. Both are designed to help those who can’t be physically present at their polling place on Election Day.
How to Register to Vote if You’re Traveling
Registering to vote is relatively simple, but it does require planning. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Check your registration status: Even if you think you’re registered, it’s a good idea to double-check. You can easily verify your voter registration status here.
- Register to vote: If you’re not registered, most states allow you to do so online. Head over to Vote.org’s online registration tool to get started. In some states, you’ll need to mail in your registration form, so make sure to leave enough time for that process.
- Update your registration: If you’ve moved recently or need to change any personal details, you’ll want to update your voter registration information. You can do this through your state’s election office or Vote.org.
- Apply for an absentee ballot: Once registered, you can apply for an absentee ballot to ensure your vote is counted even if you’re away from home.
Remember, each state has its own rules and deadlines, so it’s essential to get familiar with them now. Find your state’s absentee ballot rules and deadlines here.
What Are Your Voting Options if You’re Traveling?
If you’re not going to be around on Election Day, don’t worry — you still have options. Here are the main ways you can vote if you’re out of town:
1. Absentee Voting
Absentee voting allows you to request a ballot that you can fill out and mail back to your election office. This is ideal if you know you won’t be home on Election Day, whether you’re in another state or abroad.
- How to Request an Absentee Ballot: Visit your state’s election website or use Vote.org’s absentee ballot request tool.
- Key Deadlines: Each state has a deadline for when you can request and submit absentee ballots. Be sure to check your state’s absentee ballot deadlines to avoid missing out.
2. Early Voting
Many states offer early voting, which allows you to cast your vote in person before Election Day. If your travel dates coincide with Election Day but you’ll be home beforehand, this is a great option.
- Check Your State’s Early Voting Options: Some states allow early voting for weeks before the election, while others have more limited windows. Find early voting details for your state here.
3. Mail-In Voting
In some states, voting by mail is available to anyone, no special reason needed. However, in other states, mail-in voting is reserved for specific cases like being out of state, illness, or military service. Make sure you know what your state allows.
- Mail-In vs. Absentee Voting: While similar, absentee ballots usually require an application, while some states automatically mail ballots to all registered voters. Learn more about mail-in voting here.
Plan Ahead to Make Sure Your Vote Counts
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your vote counts while you’re traveling is to make a voting plan. This includes:
- Knowing the deadlines: Whether it’s for registering to vote, applying for an absentee ballot, or early voting, make sure you know the key dates in your state.
- Double-checking your registration status: Before you leave town, confirm your voter registration and make sure your absentee or early voting application is approved.
- Sharing this information: If you know others who will be traveling on Election Day, share these tips with them so they don’t miss their chance to vote either.
Don’t Wait – Act Now!
With Election Day fast approaching, now is the time to ensure you’re prepared. Register to vote now, and if you’ll be away, apply for an absentee ballot or vote early.
Visit Vote.org to secure your vote today, especially if you’ll be traveling on Election Day!