Get Out the Vote Counselor Guide 

How do I Make a Plan to Vote?

1. Register to vote.
2. Confirm that you are registered to vote. Even if you have been registered in past elections, it is good practice to double-check your registration several months before the election you hope to vote in. Learn more about checking your registration status.
3. Find your polling location.
4. Find out if your state requires identification to vote. And know what type of ID is accepted.
5. Double check your availability on the date of the election. If there is a small chance you will not be available, consider requesting an absentee ballot.
6. Learn how to track your absentee ballot to make sure your voted is counted if you are unable to make it to the polls.
7. Identify your transportation to the polls. Some states will provide free transportation to the polls. Call your local election office to inquire. Also ride share services like Uber and Lyft sometimes offer free ns reduced rides on election day.

Each state has its own requirements and deadlines:

• Make sure you are registered to vote.
  • You can verify that you are registered to vote by visiting verify vote.
• Register to Vote Online
  • Visit www.vote.gov to begin the voter registration process. Many states allow online registration.
• Register by Mail
  • Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form, fill it out and mail it to your state or local election office.
• Not Around on Election Day?
  • You can still vote by requesting an absentee ballot.

Do I need identification to vote?

Your state may require an I.D. to vote. To learn more see the National Council of State Legislators Voter Identification Map.

When researching a candidate there are many websites you can use. ACA highly recommends you utilize a non-partisan site to learn the facts about all candidates.

For candidate research, ACA recommends:

• Federal Election Commission
• Legal Defense Fund

Your local and state elections may or may not have ballot measures on the ballot. It is important to not only be aware of the measures but to understand what your vote means whether you vote for or against the measure.

To research ballot measures in your state visit:

• Ballotpedia - On Ballotpedia you can also view a sample ballot for your home district.
• Vote Smart

Visit the American Civil Liberties Union to learn about your voting rights. You have the right to:

• Exercise your vote in a safe and comfortable environment.
• Not to be intimidated at the polls.
• Receive needed accommodation due to disability-related issues.
• Receive language assistance at the polls when requested.

For non-partisan help at the polls, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683.

Becoming stressed out or anxious during an election is a real thing! The Crisis Text Line has provided guidance to help voters cope and feel confident before, during and after they cast their vote.

If your stress and anxiety are putting you or someone you know in a negative place, please do not feel you have to cope alone. Call the 988 Lifeline for free and confidential emotional support.

Tips from the ACA Public Policy and Legislation Committee

• Identify your community for support. Who are the people you can talk to about the stress, anxiety or frustration you feel around the election? Plan to be in touch with them to receive and provide support leading up to, during and following the election.
• Use positive coping. The coping skills we use to navigate other stressful situations often generalize to support our emotional well-being in times of political stress as well. Remember, advocacy and civil engagement are a marathon, not a sprint! Focusing on your well-being will help you stay engaged with the issues you care about even as the stress of the election comes on.
• Engage in community action. Research shows that people feel empowered when they can engage in resistance as a form of resilience. Find local organizations and groups who care about the issues you care about and find ways to get connected. You might join a peaceful protest, attend a community organizing meeting or share virtual spaces to discuss pressing issues related to the election.
• Use professional support resources. Counselors also benefit from counseling! Whether you have a counselor now or want to find someone, your counseling can be a helpful space to process your feelings about the election and our current sociopolitical context.