Your election office
Choose your state, then look for “sample ballot” or “voter lookup.” Your local office can help if the ballot is not posted yet.
Find your election officeUSA Simple Civics · Elections & Voting
What’s on your ballot?
A ballot is more than the big race at the top. It may ask you to choose local leaders, keep a judge, or decide a public question.
Start with your sample ballot. Then take each part one step at a time.
1. Find your sample ballot
Your voting address determines your districts and ballot. Even someone across town may see different choices.
VOTE411
The League of Women Voters offers ballot and candidate information. Coverage and candidate responses may vary.
Explore your ballot on VOTE411A sample ballot is for practice. It is not the ballot you submit. Check the election date and your address. For final ballot wording and voting instructions, use your election office.
These links open other websites. Enter any address needed there; this page has no address form. About sample ballots and voter guides.
2. Know what each office does
You will not see every office in every election. Job titles and powers also vary by state and community.
| Level | You may see | Main job |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | President and vice president | Lead the executive branch. Your presidential vote helps choose your state’s Electoral College electors. |
| Federal | U.S. senator or representative | Make federal laws, decide federal spending, and oversee federal agencies. |
| State | Governor and state lawmakers | The governor leads state government. Lawmakers pass state laws and budgets. |
| County or city | Mayor, county executive, council, or commissioners | Help set local budgets, rules, and services. Who handles each service depends on where you live. |
| Schools | School board | Helps guide the school district through policies, budgets, and oversight. Some boards are appointed instead of elected. |
| Other local offices | Sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, or special-district board | May handle law enforcement, criminal cases, public records, water, or other services. Check the exact job description. |
Background: Federal branches · Find state and local governments
For help comparing people running for office, see Research candidates. For which level handles a problem, see Who is responsible?
3. Look beyond candidate races
Judges
Some ballots ask you to choose between judicial candidates. Others ask whether a judge should stay in office. This is a retention election.
In a retention vote, “yes” means keep the judge and “no” means do not keep the judge. You are not choosing a replacement on that question.
Example: California’s explanation. Judicial selection differs by state and court.
Ballot measures
These ask voters to decide a proposal. A measure may change a law or state constitution, approve a tax, or allow borrowing.
A bond is borrowed money that generally must be repaid with interest. Look for the total cost, repayment source, and purpose.
Examples: California’s ballot measures and bond explanation.
4. Read the instructions for each race
Choose no more than one
Mark one candidate, or leave the race blank. Choosing two is too many.
Three is the limit
You may choose zero, one, two, or three candidates. You do not have to use every choice.
Follow the ranking directions
Some elections let you put candidates in order of preference. Follow the local instructions for how many choices you may rank and how to mark them.
Read both sides and every page. Use the pen and marking method listed on your ballot. Before submitting it, review your selections and any warnings.
Examples: Maryland ballot instructions · New York City ranking instructions. These are examples, not rules for every location.
Common questions
Can I leave a race blank?
Yes. Skipping a race does not cancel your valid votes in other races. A blank choice is not a vote for anyone. You may hear this called an “undervote.”
What if I choose too many candidates?
This is an “overvote.” It can prevent your vote in that race from counting. Other properly marked races can still count. Before you submit the ballot, ask a poll worker how to fix it or get a replacement. For a mail ballot, contact your election office; do not guess how to correct it.
Can I bring notes?
Yes. You may bring personal notes, a voter guide, or a sample ballot to help you vote. Phone use and photography rules vary, so paper notes are useful. Keep your notes for your own use and follow rules against campaigning at the polls.
Do I have to choose one party for every race?
In a general election, you may choose candidates from different parties in different races. Primary elections have different rules about which party’s ballot you may use. Follow the rules for that election.
Can I write in another name?
Only where the rules allow it. Some places require the candidate to qualify, and some races do not allow write-ins. Writing a name does not guarantee it will count. See Write-in and mail voting rules.
What if I need help reading or marking the ballot?
Ask about accessible voting equipment or assistance. Federal law lets voters who need help because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write choose a helper, with exceptions for their employer, the employer’s agent, or a union officer or agent. The choices must remain yours.
Before you vote
- Get the right sample ballot. Check the election and your voting address.
- Research unfamiliar names and questions. Note what each office can do and what each proposal would change.
- Check your voting plan. Confirm registration, location, hours, ID rules, and any mail-ballot deadlines with your election office.
- Review before submitting. Follow all marking and return instructions. A mail ballot may need a signed envelope or other steps.
Keep learning
This is a general guide, not a live ballot or a list of candidates. Official election offices provide the current rules for your location. Sources are linked beside the relevant explanations.