US Election Day Voting Guide: When, Where, and How to Cast Your Ballot

The United States 2024 presidential elections are scheduled for November 5, Tuesday. This elections will decide whether the White House will welcome Kamala Harris as its first woman president or be ready for Donald Trump's second term. With a high focus on the US electoral system and its functionalities, here are some crucial tips to follow.

When To Cast Your Ballot?

The main day to cast your vote would be on the Election Day, that is November 5, 2024. However, many prefer to cast their vote before the scheduled day in the early voting period. This time the early voting window was open from October, 22 to November 1.

Where To Cast Your Ballot?

Voters should know in which polling station they are registered and the timings of voting in the polling booth. The polling booths are usually based near the voter's residential address. These booths are set up in schools, community centers and other public areas.

How To Cast Your Ballot?

In the US electoral system, there are several methods to cast a vote. The methods however vary in different states across the US.

Hand-Marked Ballots

Most registered voters in the US cast their vote using hand-marked paper ballots. The voters fill in a square-shaped box placed next to their preferred presidential candidate's name, according to Al Jazeera.

Direct Recording Electronic Voting

Few voters prefer to cast their votes with a direct recording electronic (DRE) system. The voters click a button on touchscreen to cast their votes, which then directly go into the computer system.

Ballot Marking Devices

Some states give the provision of casting votes using ballot marking devices (BMD) that allows voters to vote directly on an electronic device. After the vote is registered, the device provides a paper record as an evidence.

Voters should carry their valid voter ID to cast their ballot.

Other Methods of Casting A Ballot

Voting By Mail– This method allows voters to request ballots by mail and cast their votes by mail.

Absentee Voting– A method for those who are unable to reach the polling stations on the day of elections. In this case, voters either mail their ballots or drop them in person.

All-Mail Voting– In this voting method, registered voters get their ballots by mail and return the ballot either by mail or in person.