USAGov's Guide for First Time Voters

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you a new voter? Maybe you're turning 18, or you decided to get involved in the electoral process for the first time in your life. Either way, there's a lot to learn.

This is a midterm year, which means this is an election between presidential elections. Voters will be choosing candidates for all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate. The results will determine which political party controls each house of Congress for the next two years. There are also 36 governorships and many mayoral and local races on ballots across the country.

If you plan to vote, make sure you're ready to go to the polls this November 6. Check out USAGov's top five frequently asked voting questions.

Can I vote?

You can vote if you are a U.S. citizen and meet your state's residency and other requirements. In every state, you must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day to vote, but you may be able to register if you're younger. Check out your state's voter registration age and learn about other rules including the ID you may need to show when you vote.

Remember, you must be registered to vote by your state's registration deadline. It could be as much as a month before Election Day, so mark your calendar and make sure you don't miss it.

How do I register?

If you meet the requirements, you can begin the registration process at Vote.gov. Online registration is available for 37 states plus the District of Columbia. If you can't register on the web, Vote.gov will help you get started with your state's mail or in-person registration process.

Need to check or change your voter registration? If you have voted before but it's been a while, check to be sure your name hasn't been purged from the voter list. And if you move or change your name, you'll need to update your registration or re-register. Depending on where you live, you may be able to check and update your information online. If you need more help, contact your state or local election office.

How do I learn more about the candidates?

The first step is figuring out what you're looking for in a candidate. Debates are a good way to learn about those who are running and where they stand on issues. Learn about the techniques candidates may use to distort information and sway your perceptions of them and their opponents.

If a candidate is up for re-election or coming from another public office, you can look at their record. Visit Congress.gov for those running for re-election in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. For state offices, contact your state legislature website. For county or local offices, contact your local government.

Can I vote early or absentee?

Just because you can't make it to the polls on Election Day doesn't mean you can't vote. Even though it varies by state, you may have the option to cast an absentee ballot or even vote early. Military families and Americans living abroad can also vote from overseas. Learn if early or absentee voting is available in your state and how to start the process. Keep in mind, the process takes longer than voting domestically, so be sure to start as soon as possible.

Where do I vote?

If you're planning to vote in person on Election Day, it's important to know your assigned polling place. If you go to another one, you may only be able to cast a provisional ballot, which is kept separate until an official decides if it can be counted. Contact your election office for the most up-to-date information on your polling place, including voting hours and accommodations for disabilities.

Remember to make a plan ahead of time for Election Day. Will you vote in the morning or afternoon? Do you need to find a ride or take time off to get to the polls?

If you have more questions about voting, USA.gov/voting is your first stop for anything related to the 2018 midterm elections. You can also ask questions on USA.gov's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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.

SOURCE USAGov

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