Make a Plan to Vote Early

Voting is one of the most important ways to have your voice heard on the issues that matter to you most. That’s why the James Beard Foundation is proud to partner with Vote Early Day.

Voters shouldn’t have to choose between their health and exercising their civic duty. When Americans vote early, they reduce the risk of potential health issues associated with in-person voting and ensure that last-minute problems won’t keep them from casting their ballots.

Vote Early Day, as a collaborative, open-source model—similar to Giving Tuesday and National Voter Registration Day—will help millions more Americans vote early! The inaugural Vote Early Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, ten days out from Election Day, and on a weekend to ensure maximum participation.

How can you make sure you’re ready to vote?

• If you are eligible, register to vote or confirm your voter registration. This is especially important if you’ve recently moved or changed your name. You can find links to register to vote or check your voter registration here.
• Request an absentee ballot and share the absentee ballot request tool at voteearlyday.org.
• Share Vote Early Day and other important dates and deadlines on social media—download our Vote Early Day Toolkit for sample language and social media–ready graphics!

Important Dates for Planning Your Vote

• October 20: USPS deadline—the United States Postal Service recommends October 20 as the last day to submit a mail application for an absentee ballot.
• October 24: Vote Early Day Eve
• October 24: Vote Early Day
• November 3: Election Day

What should I do if I or another voter have questions about voting? Or need to report problems, like long lines?

• Call 866-OUR-VOTE. The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have their vote count. Made up of more than 100 local, state, and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance, and defend the right to vote. Visit ourvotehotline.org, or call:
  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE
  • Spanish/English: 888-VE-YVOTA
  • Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US
  • Asian Languages/English: 888-API-VOTE

Important Links

Rock the Vote: Voting information by state.
Pizza to the Polls: Helping to feed voters standing in long lines on Election Day.
Chefs for the Polls: A non-partisan effort that will feed people of all political parties and beliefs at the polls.

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