A Day for Democracy

A NON-partisan initiative, founded by CEOs, to encourage leaders across the U.S. to pledge to increase voter registration and participation of their employees.

Take the Pledge

Be part of the change

Join CEOs and leaders of organizations across America who are committing to take action to give employees time off to vote and/or to help employees register and access their right to vote in local, state and national elections on their terms – whether at polling locations or from the safety of their own home.

Together, let’s get the vote higher!

Give your employees time off to vote

Give your employees time off to vote. Encourage and assist your employees to register to vote and participate in elections.

Take the pledge

Support your employees

Support your employees in the entire voting process – from registration and reminders about upcoming local, state and national elections to locating polling stations or facilitating voting by mail.

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Encourage more CEOs and leaders of organizations to take the pledge.

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268

COMPANIES SIGNED THE PLEDGE

1,057,799

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Together we can make a difference

Join our growing list of members:

See full list

TAKE THE PLEDGE

The United States has one of the lowest voter participation rates of any democracy in the world. Less than 56% of the US voting age population cast ballots in the last presidential election, and even fewer voted in 2014.

US citizens face a unique set of challenges in 2020 and will need to commit to the voting process this year more than ever before. To start, voters should expect longer lines and wait times because of the pandemic. With fewer volunteers available to work, there will be fewer polling places open. In addition, the number of people in each polling place at one time will need to be reduced to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Join us!

Support your employees with TurboVote

To support your employees in the voting process, we teamed up with TurboVote, a leading online service that aims to help individuals vote in every election – local, state and national.

TurboVote was developed by Democracy Works, a NON – Partisan, nonprofit 501(c) organization, and has worked with a variety of companies, nonprofits and higher education institutions to support the entire voting process – from registration and reminders about upcoming elections to facilitating voting by mail.

To learn more, contact TurboVote and reference the A Day for Democracy campaign.

TurboVote offers:

Voter registration assistance

During the signup process, TurboVote guides the user through registering to vote via their state’s online voter registration portal, where available, or via the paper-based National Voter Registration Form (NVRF).

By-mail ballot assistance

Via TurboVote’s notifications, TurboVote guides users through the vote-by-mail process, including how to request a vote-by-mail (or absentee) ballot in states where a request is required.

Election reminders

Democracy Works keeps track of elections around the country at the federal, state, and local levels. Users can choose to receive reminders by email, text, or both, with all of the logistical information needed to successfully cast a ballot. TurboVote also sends notifications when election information changes. For example, messages to alert voters to COVID-related changes.

Help desk

Help desk: Users can reply to any text or email from TurboVote to get in touch with its help desk, staffed by voting experts, who can answer their questions in English or Spanish.

Press & NEWS

Voter Resources

VOTER REGISTRATION

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

MORE RESOURCES

VOLUNTEER TO BE A POLL WORKER

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote if:

You are a US citizen
You meet your state’s residency requirements
You are 18 years old or older

How do I register to vote by mail?

To Vote By Mail

Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form (NMVRF) here: https://www.eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form
- You can also find NMVRF and state voter registration forms at libraries, public schools, and city and county clerks’ offices. Please note that of these offices are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Complete the form and submit it by mail according to the instructions. The NMVRF has a “State Instructions” section that lists the requirements for each state.
North Dakota, Wyoming, and the U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not accept the NMVRF. New Hampshire accepts the form only as a request for a state absentee voter mail-in registration form

How do I register to vote in-person?

Register to vote at:

State or local voter registration or election offices.
The Department of Motor Vehicles.
Public assistance agencies.
Armed services recruitment centers.
State-funded programs that serve people with disabilities.

Any public facility that a state has designated as a voter registration agency.

Once you’ve registered to vote, find your polling place here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

How do I register to vote online?

To learn if your state offers online voter registration, contact your state or local election office. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

When should I register to vote?

You can find out your state’s registration deadline here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/

You may also contact your state or local election office to find out your state’s registration deadline. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

Many states have online tools where you can check your registration status. You can find out whether you are registered to vote here: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/

Are there special requirements the first time I vote?

If you registered by mail, you might have to show proof of identification the first time you vote. This proof of identification includes:

A current and valid photo identification.
A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address.

You may not have to show proof of identification if:

You provided copies of the proof of identification with your voter registration form.
Your state or local election official matched the driver’s license number or Social Security information on your application with a Federal or state identification record bearing the same number, name, and date of birth.
You are entitled by Federal law to vote by absentee ballot.

What is early voting?

Some states might allow you to cast a ballot before election day at:

A jurisdiction’s election office.
Another designated polling place.
A ballot drop site.

The chart here shows state-by-state rules on early voting: https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/early-voting-in-state-elections.aspx#Early%20Voting%20Law%20Table

What is absentee voting?

If you cannot go to your polling place on election day, you may qualify to cast an absentee ballot.

Some states offer “no-excuse” absentee voting, which allows any eligible citizen to cast an absentee ballot.

Other states allow you to cast an absentee ballot only if you cannot vote at the polling place for a reason outlined in state law, such as illness or physical absence from the jurisdiction for a certain number of hours on election day.

States also have different deadlines for requesting and submitting absentee ballots. You can find your state’s deadlines here: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/

You are entitled by Federal law to vote by absentee ballot in Federal elections if you meet qualifications outlined in the Voting Rights Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

Where do I vote?

You are assigned to a polling place based on the home address on your voter registration record.

Some states have ballot drop sites instead of polling places.

To find out the location of your polling place or ballot drop sites, you may visit this polling place locator: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

You may also contact your state or local election office to find out the location of your polling place or ballot drop sites. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

What is provisional voting?

If your eligibility to vote in a Federal election is in question, you must be offered a provisional ballot at the polling place. The possible reasons you would receive a provisional ballot include:

Your name does not appear on the official voter list at your polling place.
Your eligibility is challenged in accordance with state law.
You did not provide the required identification to register or at the polling place on election day.
A court order requires provisional ballots.
A court order extends polling place hours.
State law mandates provisional ballots.

You have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you declare you are eligible and registered to vote in that jurisdiction. Your provisional ballot will be counted if the state or local election official later deter mines that you were eligible and registered to vote under state law.

How do I vote if I am a uniformed or overseas citizen?

To register to vote or request a ballot as a member of the military or overseas citizen, use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

The FPCA is available at fvap.gov
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) Web portal offers a step-by-step guide to the voter registration process.
All states and territories accept the FPCA as a simultaneous application for registration and request for an absentee ballot.
Depending on your state of residence, return the completed FPCA by e-mail, fax, or mail.
Printed copies of the FPCA are available at U.S. embassies, military bases, and consular offices. Voting Assistance Officers at those sites can provide any in – formation or assistance you may need to complete the form.

You may also request the electronic transmission of blank voting materials.

Is voting accessible if I have a disability?

Multiple federal laws require state and local governments ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. For example, many polling places include:

Clearly marked parking spaces.
Entrances with ramps.
Well-marked routes and signage to voting locations.
Voting equipment that is accessible for individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired.

For a full list of U.S. laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities, please visit: www.ada.gov/ada_voting/ada_voting_ta.htm

Is language assistance provided?

The Voting Rights Act requires some jurisdictions to provide voting materials in languages other than English. Other jurisdictions voluntarily offer such assistance. Language assistance may include:

Equipping polling places with ballots and voting instructions in other languages.
Staffing polling places with bilingual poll workers.
Providing voting information online in languages other than English.

Contact your state or local election office to learn more about language assistance in your area. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

May I request assistance to vote?

Under Federal law, you may bring an individual to assist you in voting for reasons of:

Blindness
Disability
Inability to read or write

Federal law prohibits you from receiving voting assistance from your employer or an agent of your employer, or from an officer or agent of the voter’s union. A poll worker can provide voting assistance to:

First-time voters.
Voters with disabilities.
Voters at polling places with new voting equipment.

How do I report a problem or file a complaint?

If you experience a problem at a polling place or with voting procedures in your jurisdiction, there are multiple options available to you. You may:

Contact your state or local election office for information on complaint procedures. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office
Register a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice at (800) 253–3931 or email section@usdoj.gov

How can I become a poll worker?

Election workers are essential to ensuring that elections are a success. With each election, millions of Americans dedicate themselves to sustaining the backbone of democracy – our election process. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission encourages those interested in becoming election workers at the polls on election day to learn more about what is required and how to sign up to work with your local election official.

Get started and find out if you are eligible. Go to the State Compendium of Election Worker Laws and Statutes for a list of requirements by state. Things to look for include:

Whether you must be a registered voter in the state.
Whether there is an age requirement.
Whether there is a residency requirement.
Whether a political party affiliation is required.

A Day for Democracy

Be part of the change

COMPANIES SIGNED THE PLEDGE

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Together we can make a difference

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Support your employees with TurboVote

Press & NEWS

Download A Day for Democracy Press Release

Real estate executive lines up a corporate who’s who for a get-out-the-vote drive

CEO Group Forms Employer Pledge Aimed At Increasing Voter Turnout – Jim Braude interviews Peter Palandjian

Neighborhood Banks, Businesses Join Voting Coalition

Need time off to volunteer at the polls? More companies are offering the option

Area Law Firms Pledge to Help their Employees Vote

Bob Reynolds, CEO of Putnam Investments (57:19)

Episode 102: Interview with Peter Palandjian for A Day For Democracy

More companies pledge to give workers time to vote – By Dee-Ann Durbin

Blue Crossma A Day For Democracy

With Pledge to Give Employees Time and Resources to Vote

Voter Resources

VOTER REGISTRATION

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

MORE RESOURCES

VOLUNTEER TO BE A POLL WORKER

Frequently Asked Questions

You are eligible to vote if:

You are a US citizen

You meet your state’s residency requirements

You are 18 years old or older

To Vote By Mail

Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form (NMVRF) here: https://www.eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form

You can also find NMVRF and state voter registration forms at libraries, public schools, and city and county clerks’ offices. Please note that of these offices are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Complete the form and submit it by mail according to the instructions. The NMVRF has a “State Instructions” section that lists the requirements for each state.

North Dakota, Wyoming, and the U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not accept the NMVRF. New Hampshire accepts the form only as a request for a state absentee voter mail-in registration form

Register to vote at:

State or local voter registration or election offices.

The Department of Motor Vehicles.

Public assistance agencies.

Armed services recruitment centers.

State-funded programs that serve people with disabilities.

Any public facility that a state has designated as a voter registration agency.

Once you’ve registered to vote, find your polling place here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

To learn if your state offers online voter registration, contact your state or local election office. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

You can find out your state’s registration deadline here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/

You may also contact your state or local election office to find out your state’s registration deadline. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

Many states have online tools where you can check your registration status. You can find out whether you are registered to vote here: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/

If you registered by mail, you might have to show proof of identification the first time you vote. This proof of identification includes:

A current and valid photo identification.

A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address.

You may not have to show proof of identification if:

You provided copies of the proof of identification with your voter registration form.

Your state or local election official matched the driver’s license number or Social Security information on your application with a Federal or state identification record bearing the same number, name, and date of birth.

You are entitled by Federal law to vote by absentee ballot.

Some states might allow you to cast a ballot before election day at:

A jurisdiction’s election office.

Another designated polling place.

A ballot drop site.

The chart here shows state-by-state rules on early voting: https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/early-voting-in-state-elections.aspx#Early%20Voting%20Law%20Table

If you cannot go to your polling place on election day, you may qualify to cast an absentee ballot.

Some states offer “no-excuse” absentee voting, which allows any eligible citizen to cast an absentee ballot.

Other states allow you to cast an absentee ballot only if you cannot vote at the polling place for a reason outlined in state law, such as illness or physical absence from the jurisdiction for a certain number of hours on election day.

States also have different deadlines for requesting and submitting absentee ballots. You can find your state’s deadlines here: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/

You are entitled by Federal law to vote by absentee ballot in Federal elections if you meet qualifications outlined in the Voting Rights Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

You are assigned to a polling place based on the home address on your voter registration record.

Some states have ballot drop sites instead of polling places.

To find out the location of your polling place or ballot drop sites, you may visit this polling place locator: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

You may also contact your state or local election office to find out the location of your polling place or ballot drop sites. You can find your state or local election office website and contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

If your eligibility to vote in a Federal election is in question, you must be offered a provisional ballot at the polling place. The possible reasons you would receive a provisional ballot include:

Your name does not appear on the official voter list at your polling place.

Your eligibility is challenged in accordance with state law.

You did not provide the required identification to register or at the polling place on election day.

A court order requires provisional ballots.

A court order extends polling place hours.

State law mandates provisional ballots.

You have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you declare you are eligible and registered to vote in that jurisdiction. Your provisional ballot will be counted if the state or local election official later deter ­ mines that you were eligible and registered to vote under state law.

To register to vote or request a ballot as a member of the military or overseas citizen, use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

The FPCA is available at fvap.gov

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) Web portal offers a step-by-step guide to the voter registration process.

All states and territories accept the FPCA as a simultaneous application for registration and request for an absentee ballot.

Depending on your state of residence, return the completed FPCA by e-mail, fax, or mail.

You have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you declare you are eligible and registered to vote in that jurisdiction. Your provisional ballot will be counted if the state or local election official later deter mines that you were eligible and registered to vote under state law.