Timelines for registering and sending absentee ballots in differ from state to state. Have you missed any deadlines? What's the absentee ballot timeline the states you're choosing between? What's the registration deadline?

The Electoral College system assigns each state a number of electors based on its total representation in Congress (House of Representatives + 2 Senators). Washington, D.C. also has 3 electors, bringing the total to 538 electoral votes nationwide. A presidential candidate must win a majority—at least 270 votes—to become president.

Interactive tools like 270 to Win provide up-to-date maps showing the current political landscape, including which party is leading in each state. They also break down each state’s electoral votes, making it easy to visualize how the Electoral College works in practice.

Consider local issues in the state you vote in. The presidential election will dominate the headlines but local and state officials are also running for election (and re-election). 

You're registered, you understand the issues and what (and where) casting your vote means - come November it'll be time to cast your vote and let your voice be heard.  Think ahead and plan out the logistics of where you'll need to go - or how you'll vote by mail.

If you're voting in Burlington, you’ll cast your ballot at a polling place based on which of the city’s 8 wards your registered address falls in.

Not sure which ward or polling place is yours? No problem—just use the city’s interactive map to enter your address and find your location. The City of Burlington Clerk’s Office website also has additional information and forms if you need them.

If you're voting outside of Burlington, but still in Vermont, you should check out the My Voter Page on the Vermont Secretary of State’s website. This page allows you to plug in your information and check on everything from your polling location to who the elected officials are on the ballot (and even check in on your absentee ballot - if you've chosen cast one).

If you’re voting in a state other than Vermont, you can find your voting options and deadlines using ALL IN, a nonpartisan online tool. It allows you to select your state and access important information, including key dates, deadlines, processes, and polling locations—helping you stay informed and prepared to vote from afar.

There are a plethora of online resources to help you navigate how and where to cast your vote - or how to submit an absentee ballot.  One of our favorites is the Election Center from our friends at Rock the Vote, which includes information about registration deadlines and absentee ballots in all 50 states.

Registering to vote is only half the process - how you cast your vote is equally as important.  Make informed decisions about the topics and candidates you'll be voting for by learning more with these non-partisan resources:

• Voting 101 - Common questions on voting
• Vote.gov - Resources on voting from the U.S. Election Assistance Committee
• VOTE 411 (from the League of Women Voters) - Personalized voting information
• FactCheck.Org - A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
• League of Women Voters of Vermont - A nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
• National Disability Rights Network Voter Information
• Disability Rights Vermont - Voting and public access resources
• Fair Elections Center - Barriers to student registration and voting

Want to dig deeper and connect with other students and staff about voting? We're planning a number of events all the way through election day (and beyond), from political debate watch parties to deep conversations about voting issues and how to be a socially conscious voter.

See what events are coming up

Registering and voting can be a confusing process - but it doesn't have to be.  The Civic Engagement staff is here to help you solve any of the problems associated with making sure you have a chance to vote.  Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail with your question and we'll do our best to help you through the process.