Good question.

Most states offer at least one method for eligible voters to cast their ballot before election day, including absentee voting and all mail-in voting. And according to the law, all ballots of all types must be counted before an election can be closed or certified. This includes ballots coming from overseas, dropboxes, polling locations, etc. However, it’s super important to ensure you submit your ballot properly. Check (and then double-check!) if there are instructions with your ballot or on the website of election officials in your state.

Sometimes voting in-person on election day just isn't an option. Students away at college can submit absentee ballots if they are registered to vote in their home state and attend school out of state. This means you don’t have to travel to your hometown polling location to vote. In addition, if you have a permanent or temporary residence in the state where you attend college, you can change your voter registration to that state in order to vote in person. Just be sure to update your voter registration!

But know that registering to vote in more than one state is illegal! You must register in your home state, or the state where you attend school.

If you still feel anxious about voting by-mail, you can always visit your polling place on election day to cast your vote! Be sure you know the location of your polling place and check if you need to bring any type of ID with you. Most states offer some sort of in-person voting option prior to Election Day. You can find out more about if your state offers early in-person voting here. This option is ideal if you want to vote in person, but you aren’t available to do so on Election Day, you want to avoid crowds, or you just want to reduce your chances of waiting in a long line. Options are always great!

To help you navigate these different options, head to Your Plan, Your Vote and make your voting plan today!