US Vote Blog

US.VOTE’s new interactive how-to-vote tool, the Voter Journey Map (VJM), is popular with students. Educators and parents are embracing the downloadable instructional guide to teach teenagers about American democracy. High school social studies students are taught that they should vote. But are they taught how to vote?

US.VOTE has created a companion downloadable Voter Journey Map instructional guide for government, politics, and civics courses to use in the classroom or as a homework assignment.

Registering from one’s home address may be simple for those who don’t move around much. But for those Americans who relocate regularly – roughly 10% of the country moves each year – preparing to vote can feel a little trickier.

Where do you vote if you just moved? If you have two homes, from which one do you register? What if you live abroad, or in a different state, as a military member or ex-pat? Or maybe you’re a student studying outside your home state? Even homeless? We talk you through it in this blog.

October 29, 2024 is National Vote Early Day for the 2024 Presidential General Election. Voters are encouraged to cast their ballots on or around this date if their state offers an early voting period for the 2024 election.

“Early voting” is a form of voting in which all eligible voters of a state have the chance to cast ballots before Election Day without needing an excuse or a ballot application. Usually this is over the course of several days or weeks, but it can vary by state.

Voting early in-person can be just like voting on Election Day. The only difference may be the voter’s polling location in some states.

Voting terminology and rules can be confusing, so we’ve broken them down for you with our 411 on election information – everything from registration to the ballot box.

It’s voting season! And for most elections, you’ve likely got multiple options on how to cast your ballot, wherever you live. Some states, like Colorado, offer every option under the sun on how to cast a ballot: in-person on Election Day, early voting and registration at vote centers, and vote by mail ballots sent to all registered voters. It’s a voter’s dream come true! Other states are more limited in their offerings. That’s why it’s essential to find out what your state offers.

Presidential debates have become an integral part of the political tradition of the presidential election season in the United States of America and play an important role in the decision-making process for some voters.

But have you ever wondered why the debates are so important and how they came about? What’s the purpose of the debates, and what’s their history?

As always, U.S. Vote Foundation has got you covered: we have an important historical background, interesting facts, and relevant information for you. Read more!

One of the biggest issues facing the electorate in the run-up to the November General Election is the question of how to vote, and in particular, how to vote early before the Election Day crush. Needless to say, this has spurred an enormous interest in alternatives to showing up at a polling place on Election Day.

This where early voting and in-person absentee voting come in. These voting methods provide alternatives that you may want to consider.

Have you heard about "swing states" and wondered what they are? What’s the buzz about the swing states anyway? And why is everyone talking about them? Do they even matter in the elections, especially during the presidential general elections?

A “swing state” - also referred to as a “battleground state,” “toss-up state,” or “purple state” - is a state that can be potentially won by (or “swing” to) either the Democratic or Republican presidential candidate, depending on the election. Swing states are usually won by a small margin of votes and could "swing" to different party than in the previous election.

The Voter Journey Map tool transforms the process of figuring out "how to vote" from a complex and confusing process into an enjoyable experience. Creating your Voter Journey Map will benefit you with becoming both informed and equipped to cast your ballot in the upcoming election.

The Voter Journey Map takes the tedious and static list of how-to-vote or plan-your-vote steps that so many websites offer and remakes it into a dynamic process with real value. No more guesswork, no more jargon. The Voter Journey Map transmits the “how to vote” instructions to individual voters for their specific needs.

Have you ever wondered how the U.S. president is actually elected? Once we all cast our ballots during the General Election, aren't they just counted and isn't that how the winner is declared? If not, what happens next?

You may have heard about the Electoral College, but do you know what it actually does? And why we even have an Electoral College? In this blog, we'll explain the election process and discuss the Electoral College so you are well-informed about any presidential election, especially this year's election.