The fight for a future free from gun violence begins at the ballot box.
In every election, hard-fought wins and future legislative progress are on the line. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to make your voice heard and ensure that Gun Sense Candidates who will end our gun violence crisis are elected into office.
Together, we can fight—and vote—for a safer future for our communities. Keep reading for a round-up of resources to help you be an informed Gun Sense Voter, and find answers to your frequently asked questions about voting and elections.
How do I register to vote?
Use the Register to Vote tool on GunSenseVoter.org.
When do I need to register to vote?
Voter registration deadlines vary by state—some allow for same-day voter registration, while others set a registration deadline of 30 days before Election Day.
Click here to check your state’s voter registration deadlines.
How do I know if I am registered to vote?
Can’t remember if you are registered to vote? Recently moved and you aren’t sure if you’re registered at your new address?
You can confirm your voter registration using the Confirm Registration tool on GunSenseVoter.org.
I’m a student. Should I register to vote in my home state, or in the state where I attend college?
Some students attend school in a different location than their permanent residence. You can only vote in one place—but where you pick is often up to you.
One thing to consider is who is on the ballot in different races, and whether your vote could help decide a tight race. Regardless of whether you live in a swing state or have a close race on your ballot, your vote makes a difference and has the power to impact your community.
Click here to see Vote.gov’s guide to voting as a college student.
What’s on my ballot?
In most elections, your ballot includes candidates running for office up and down the ballot, including local, state, and federal representatives. Although federal candidates get a lot of attention, especially during presidential election years, it is important to remember that all candidates make a difference.
Local races, like electing school board officials, can decide everything from the tax rate to the superintendent of the school district. Mayors set city budgets, which determine (among other things) what programs and services get funding. And state representatives and governors play a large role in passing state laws that can significantly impact day-to-day life.
Ballots may also include proposed ballot initiatives. These are suggestions for new statutes or constitutional amendments. Ballot initiatives can propose raising the minimum wage, implementing ranked-choice voting, or codifying the right to an abortion.
Use Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Lookup Tool to preview what might be on your ballot on Election Day.
Exact ballot content may differ from the sample tool.
What should I think about when I’m voting for a candidate?
Gun violence prevention is not a red or blue issue—it’s a life-or-death issue. When all of us come together we have the power to elect leaders from every party who will work to end gun violence.
Before you enter the voting booth or mail in your ballot, take the time to look up the candidates running for office in your community, your state, and your country.
Some suggestions to find out where your candidates stand:
- Search their name and the term “candidate website” online. Look at the priorities or goals they identify as a key issue in their campaign.
- Look up voter guides, such as BallotReady’s tool, to help research the candidates and measures on your ballot.
- Use our candidate look-up tool on GunSenseVoter.org to see if they have received our Gun Sense Candidate Distinction. This distinction signals that they will govern with gun safety in mind.
The above tools can help you figure out where they stand on issues you care about, like whether they support evidence-based policies shown to reduce gun violence and save lives.
How do I vote?
You can vote in person at a designated polling location, by absentee ballot, or by mail.
Restrictions and requirements vary depending on your state.
- Click here to learn more about voting by mail or absentee ballot in your state.
- Click here to learn more about ways to vote in your state.
Is Election Day the only day that I can vote?
Not necessarily.
Election Day is the last day that you can vote, but in many places, you can start voting in the days or weeks ahead of Election Day.
Click here to learn more about early voting in your state.
How does early voting work?
Many states allow for early voting, giving people the chance to vote in the days or weeks before Election Day. That can give people more time and chances to get to the polls.
Use this tool to find your early voting location.
Where is my polling place?
Your polling place is assigned by your local or state election office.
Two ways to find your polling place location:
- Use this tool to find your polling place
- Contact your election office to obtain your polling place location
How do I change my polling place location?
Your polling location is assigned by your local or state election office. In most cases, you cannot change this location.
- If you have a disability, you have the right to vote at an accessible polling place. Click here to contact your election office ahead of time to learn more.
- If you have recently moved, ensure that you are registered to vote at your new address.
Do I need to bring my ID to the polls?
Voter identification rules vary depending on your state.
Click here to learn more about what ID your state requires you to bring with you when you vote.
What happens if the polls close and I’m still in line?
If you are in line to vote at the time the polls close, you have the right to vote—stay in line.
Click here to learn more about your voting rights.
What is the difference between the electoral vote and the popular vote?
In many races, eligible voters directly elect their representatives through a popular vote. However, the president and vice president of the United States are selected by the Electoral College.
Every state and Washington, D.C., gets a number of electors that is equal to the total number of representatives it has in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
In most states, electors vote for the presidential candidate who won the state’s popular vote. There are currently 538 electors in the United States. A presidential candidate needs to get at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidential election.
Learn more about the Electoral College.
Every election—local, statewide, or national—is important and has consequences. And we have the power to make change by voting.
We’re not just voting for candidates: We’re voting for our safety, for our right to live without fear, and for a future free from gun violence.
Make Sure You’re Heard in This Election
- Register to vote or confirm your registration today.
- Already registered? Make a plan to vote.
- Not old enough or unable to vote? Learn how you can take action.