5 Things To Keep In Mind If You're Voting Today

    You got this!

    Jamie Spain
    by Jamie Spain

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Bring some form of ID with you to the polls, and play it safe by bringing more than you may need.

    Man speaking to a poll worker behind a plastic barrier
    Scott Eisen / Getty Images

    Depending on which state you live in, there are different identification requirements for voting. Some states require some form of identification or a document that displays your current address, while other states don't require anything at all! Find out if you need to bring an ID and what type depending on your location here. It's a good idea to bring both your photo ID and a document showing your current address to ensure there won't be any issues when you finally reach your polling place!

    If you are a first-time voter, some of these restrictions may be even more strict! If you didn't register in person or haven't provided verification of your identification, you may need to bring some ID even in states that otherwise wouldn't require it.

    2. Lose the political paraphernalia and grab a mask instead.

    Two hoodies on mannequins. One says "President Trump 2020" and the other says "Joe Biden 2020 For President with an American flag in the middle"
    Mark Makela / Getty Images

    Although you won't get barred from voting for not wearing a mask, you might if you are wearing a MAGA hat or Biden shirt. There are 15 states that ban wearing any type of campaign apparel. If you're worried, the safest option for your clothing is to wear plain items with no words or images on them. Time to pull out that monochrome shirt or sweater. Check out where your state stands here.

    And although it isn't required, I recommend wearing a mask to your polling location to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You should also carry hand sanitizer, not touch any unnecessary public surfaces, and practice social distancing while waiting outside the polling locations.

    3. Make a polling plan that will go off without a hitch from the second you get to your polling location, to when you can proudly wear your "I voted" sticker. And please, give yourself more than enough time to wait in line.

    Several people standing at voting booths casting their votes
    Jon Cherry / Getty Images

    The Vote Save America Make a Plan tool helps you build a mock ballot online for the place you'll be voting, including information on all the candidates you can vote for, since the actual ballot will only give you their names. This way, you can cast an educated vote for not only the president, but the Senate, judges, and representatives.

    Once you're ready to head on over to the polling station, pull up TurboVote, which will help you locate your polling place and receive real-time polling updates with any last-minute changes. And don't worry, as long as you're in line before the polls close, you're allowed to vote no matter how long it takes.

    4. Report any issues at your polling station to ensure that you and your fellow voters have a smooth and easy voting experience.

    A line of people wearing face masks waiting in a socially-distanced line to vote
    Ethan Miller / Getty Images

    To report general issues at your polling place, use this list to find your state's contact information on Election Day.

    To report voter intimidation, use the number 866-our-vote, which is a nonpartisan hotline. Here's what classifies as voter intimidation, according to a guide from Pennsylvania's Department of State. For more in-depth information on voter intimidation and how to deal with it, check out this explanation here.

    If you're just tired and hungry from waiting in such a long line, report it here, and Pizza to the Polls will deliver free pizza to make sure you and other voters won't be deterred from voting! Keep in mind, you may want to bring your own snacks and water in case you have an unexpectedly long wait due to a high volume of voters.

    5. Finally, please don't forget to thank your poll workers.

    A poll worker walking by several empty voting booths
    Scott Eisen / Getty Images

    Poll workers are essential to our elections, they help keep us safe, and make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. Poll workers have stepped up to help their community during this dangerous time, and without them it would be much more difficult to vote. A simple thank-you will go a long way.

    If you are reading through this post and suddenly realizing that you still need to register, never fear — 20 states offer same day voter registration on Election Day. Find out if you live in one of the those states here.

    Good luck and stay safe!