ALLFeature
How To Register And Vote In Your State
VOOOOOTE: Everything you need to know about getting registered and voting in states where The Infatuation operates.
Just like you need food to live, a democracy needs people to vote to stay alive. So, in that spirit, we want to make sure you’re registered to vote if you’re eligible. Here you’ll find deadlines and important information about voting in the states where The Infatuation currently operates, plus an easy way to get started if you’re ready to register today.
Then, decide if you’re going to (and can) vote by mail or in person, and make a plan for getting it done safely. If you’re in good health, consider signing up to be a poll worker too. Election day is November 3rd, so it’s time to get moving.
California
Registration deadline: Online, by mail, or in person by October 19th. You can register at any polling place up to and including Election Day.
Voting by mail: All registered voters will be mailed a ballot. If you’re already registered, check your details before October 27th to make sure your ballot is going to the right place. You can drop your ballot at early voting sites or county election offices, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Happening October 5th until November 2nd, check your county for exact details.
Voter ID: Not needed, unless you’re registering in person
More California voting information
Florida
Registration deadline: Online, by mail, or in person by October 5th.
Voting by mail: Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot online by October 27th, or pick one up through Election Day, although ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day so you don’t want to leave it that late. You can drop your ballot at your supervisor of elections’ office or at an early voting site dropbox, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Happening October 24th until October 31st, check your county for exact details
Voter ID: If you’re voting in person, you need to show a photo ID or provide a signature that matches what’s on your voter registration form.
More Florida voting information
Illinois
Registration deadline: By mail by October 6th, online by October 18th, in person by Election Day.
Voting by mail: Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot from their county (you might need to mail in your request, depending on your county). You can drop your ballot at a local elections office or drop box, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Happening September 24th until November 2nd, check your county for exact details
Voter ID: Not needed.
More Illinois voting information
Massachusetts
Registration deadline: Online, by mail, or in person by October 24th.
Voting by mail: Any registered voter can request a vote by mail application. This needs to be submitted by mail by October 20th. You can drop your ballot at your local clerk’s office or a drop box, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive). Ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd.
Early in-person voting: Happening October 17th until October 30th, check your county for exact details.
Voter ID: Not needed
More Massachusetts voting information
New York
Registration deadline: Online, by mail, or in person by October 9th.
Voting by mail: You need an excuse to request an absentee ballot, but allowed excuses include not wanting to spread COVID-19. This needs to be submitted by October 27th. You can drop it off at your county board of elections, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Begins October 24th, check your county for exact details
Voter ID: Not needed
More New York voting information
Pennsylvania
Registration deadline: Online, by mail, or in person by October 19th.
Voting by mail: Any registered voter can request a vote by mail application before October 27th. You can drop your ballot at a county election office, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive). Ballots must received by 8pm on November 3rd.
Early in-person voting: None, but if you're voting absentee, you can submit your ballot in person before election day.
Voter ID: Needed if it’s your first time voting at your polling place or you’ve been inactive and are voting in person.
More Pennsylvania voting information
Texas
Registration deadline: By mail or in person by October 5th.
Voting by mail: This is quite restricted. You can request a ballot by mail if you’re 65 or older, are disabled, or will be out of the county during early voting and election day. Return your ballot via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Happening October 13th until October 30th, check your county for exact details
Voter ID: If you’re voting in person you need a government-issued photo ID, or you must explain why you can’t get one and show supporting documents like a utility bill.
Washington
Registration deadline: Online or by mail by October 26th. You can register at any polling place up to and including Election Day.
Voting by mail: All registered voters will be mailed a ballot. If you’re already registered, check your details by October 26th to make sure your ballot is going to the right place. You can drop your ballot at your county election office, a drop box, or mail it via USPS (with plenty of time for it to arrive).
Early in-person voting: Happening October 16th until November 2nd, check your county for exact details.
Voter ID: Not needed
Suggested Reading
Freebies, discounts, and pop-ups to distract you from your quickening pulse.
Put that “I Voted” sticker to use with our running list of Los Angeles restaurants offering deals from now to Election Day.