The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way many people are going to vote in the 2020 election, and it’s confusing how it will work.  You’re not alone if you feel that way.  One of the things that makes it confusing is the fact that voting laws are very local, varying from county to county and state to state.  Which leads us to this week’s homework assignment:  Take a moment to research and determine a clear plan on where and how you will be casting your vote this year.  We’ve gathered some resources to help.

Mail-in Voting:

Plan Your Vote: Check out NBC News’ regularly updated Plan Your Vote site, loaded with the key information for voters in every state about mail-in voting, early in-person voting, and more.

How to Vote By Mail: This 15-minute lesson from NPR’s Life Kit Podcast on pandemic voting, and specifically, voting by mail, is a helpful and inspiring guide.

Receipt and postmark deadlines for absentee ballots: This list from the National Conference of State Legislatures has state by state deadlines for voting outside of polling places.

In Person Voting:

If you plan to vote in person, where will you go to do that?  Go to National Associations of Secretaries of State to find your local polling place.

How will you get there?  It’s not too early to check your schedule, make a transportation plan, or ask a friend to go with you.  Research shows that taking a friend with you increases the chances you’ll both definitely vote.

What do you need to bring with you?  Some states require Photo ID, others don’t.  To double-check what your state requires, go here.

After Voting:

When you go to vote, take this number with you:  (866) OUR-VOTE.  This is a number to call if you or someone you know has difficulty at the polling station and needs to file a complaint.  It is run by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.