How to Vote While on Vacation: A Complete Guide

Everyone knows that voting is important, but so are vacations. Sometimes it's just not possible to be at your official local polling place when it's time to cast your ballot. Luckily, there are ways to ensure your vote is counted, even when you are voting on vacation.

Timing Is Everything

One thing you need to keep in mind is timing. You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to receive, properly fill out, and return any voting materials. With a little pre-planning, you can still do your patriotic duty whether you are just taking a short trip, enjoying a season, or RVing full time.

Vacation Voting Options

Check Your Registration

First things first—make sure you are registered to vote. It only takes a few minutes, and if you aren't already registered, you can do so online.

Absentee Voting

Using absentee voting lets you cast your vote before Election Day by mail or drop box. Eligibility differs from state to state, but most have exceptions for people traveling when it's time to cast a ballot.

If you know you will be away from your voting district before Election Day, request an absentee ballot from your local elections office as soon as possible. You can easily determine your state's absentee voting requirements at Rock the Vote.

Complete your ballot carefully and return it to local election officials in time to meet your state's deadline.

Early In-Person Voting

Did you know that nearly all 50 states offer early in-person voting? Registered voters can go to their polling place to cast a vote before Election Day.

Early in-person voting typically begins about 23 days prior to Election Day and ends a few days before, though this varies by state. Some states request that voters use an absentee ballot for early in-person voting, while others allow walk-in voting.

Don't forget to bring proper identification. Not sure what your voting district requires? Call the county clerk's office for details.

Get Involved: Help Out Voting

Interested in helping democracy prevail? Consider becoming a poll worker or election inspector. Each state has different requirements, but all could use help on Election Day.

Visit Vote.org for reference on voting deadlines and other voting questions. If you know someone who will be on vacation during the election, make sure to share these tips on how to vote while on vacation.

Additional Resources:

• How, When, Where to Vote
• How to Get Mail and Packages While RVing
• Snowbird RV Travel Tips