How to Vote in the 2024 Elections in Your State

Voting is underway in the 2024 general election to choose the nation’s new president and other key federal, state and local leaders. ​

Many voters will head to the polls on Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 5 — to have their say. But record numbers of voters are already casting ballots early at in-person voting locations or using absentee or vote-by-mail options offered in their states. ​

The United States Postal Service (USPS) said Monday that voters using mail-in options should post their ballots by Tuesday, Oct. 29, in order for them to be received by local election offices by Election Day. However, states vary when it comes to regulations around mail ballots — some allow ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they arrive later, for example — so click on your state’s voter guide above for details. ​

The USPS says it is deploying “extraordinary measures” to ensure the delivery of mail ballots by Election Day. ​

With Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump vying to become the nation’s next president, interest in voting is high, AARP polling shows. ​

AARP’s 53 state and U.S. territory voting guides provide you with everything you need to know to ensure your vote counts in 2024. 

Each AARP voter guide highlights the key races on every state’s ballot, from U.S. congressional to state lawmaker seats.

Voting regulations vary from state to state, and many have changed since 2022 and the last presidential election cycle in 2020. Some states have tightened voting laws, while others have expanded options to include mail voting, same-day registration or other alternatives. Some states have even made changes in the past few weeks for the upcoming general election due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton or late court rulings.  ​

AARP’s guides can help you navigate voting rules and regulations, with details on the latest changes. Find out how to check your registration status, whether you're eligible for absentee voting, or whether your state has any voting accommodations in place due to recent weather disasters.

These comprehensive voting guides also let you know what to expect on Election Day and what ID you may need to bring. These resources include state-specific deadlines and where to find other resources.

If you have a disability or live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, find out what your state offers to assist you with voting. 

Click on your state or territory above to learn more. We’ll update these guides through Election Day, so check back for the latest.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information.