Both presidential candidates are set to run in 2024, but with just over eight weeks until voting, there’s a lot more happening beyond the ballot that could have just as big an impact on your daily life.
The highlight of this year’s election cycle is the presidential race between Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump and her running mate J.D. Vance.
Presidential elections, due to their high profile and national stakes, have traditionally been Voter turnout increased significantly Many more candidates will appear on the ballot than in midterm elections, but most ballots also include state and local candidates, and often disconcerting ballot propositions that, if approved, would amend the state constitution, change state laws or fund projects or initiatives through bonds.
Here’s how to find out what’s on your state’s ballot in this election: For more election-related information, see How to find out if you’re registered to vote.
When is Election Date 2024?
This year’s election day is Tuesday, November 5. General elections have traditionally been held on the first Tuesday of November every year since 1845.
Additionally, many states offer early voting periods for people who want to get their ballot in early or who can’t fit a trip to a polling place during the week. Here’s how to find out if early voting is allowed in your state:
What else is on this year’s ballot?
In addition to the high-profile presidential election, many states also have federal offices up for grabs, including six-year senators and two-year representatives who are up for re-election in presidential and midterm election years.
You may also find state legislative elections and ballot propositions that allow voters to decide on changes to state policy. While most states feature one or two ballot propositions, some states, like California, have a handful of ballot propositions, making the ability to find referendums listed in one place essential for researching stakes in those states.
Where can I find sample ballots online?
To prepare for how to vote, you can wait for your elections official to send you a sample ballot in the mail, but many states share sample ballots online before the election. In many states, county-level officials do this, but some state-level offices also offer sample ballot services. Many of these resources may not be updated for general election ballots until closer to Election Day, because ballots are still taking shape. Here are some options, depending on where you live:
Alabama You can find Sample Ballot By county and party.
Alaska Do not release Sample Ballot About 50 days before the election Alaska’s ballot measure now.
Arizona There is no statewide central sample ballot information page, but some counties allow residents to view their ballots on their websites. Ballotpedia.
Arkansas teeth Voter ViewPages that promote the ability to view sample ballots, etc.
California Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Colorado A sample ballot is available for viewing Secretary of State’s official website.
Connecticut Sample ballots for major elections released Secretary of State’s websiteHowever, ballots for this year’s general election have not yet been sent out.
Delaware Providing specific election information Voter Viewpage.
Florida Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Georgia A sample ballot is available for viewing Official State Government Website.
Hawaii Sample ballots for the 2024 election are not currently available, has been offered in the pastYou can find the available information below: Ballotpedia.
Idaho Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Illinois Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Indiana Sample ballot paper Official state government website.
Iowa Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Kansas Providing specific election information Voter View page.
Kentucky Offers A list of sample ballots by county; However, the general election ballot has not yet been updated, only showing information for the 2024 primary, though that may be updated closer to Election Day.
Louisiana Offers Ability to view sample ballots onlineHowever, ballots for the general election are not available until three weeks before Election Day.
Maine Shared Various spreadsheets online It contains information about candidates and ballot measures, but is not in the form of a sample ballot.
Maryland Sample ballots available Available online by county But we call them “proofreading votes.”
Massachusetts It provides a list of candidates by party. Please enter your registered address. At this time, these lists do not include listings for presidential elections.
Michigan The ballot Michigan Voter Information Center You can enter the election, county, jurisdiction or precinct you want to view and the site will display them, although ballots for the 2024 general election are not yet available.
Minnesota Candidates on the ballot Secretary of StateWebpage Please enter your address.
Mississippi Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Missouri Voters may review the sample ballot through their Secretary of State. Voter Information Searchpage.
Montana Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Nebraska Provide Secretary of State sample ballot 2024 Election page, However, ballots for the general election may not be available until closer to Election Day.
Nevada Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
New Hampshire You can search for sample ballots by party Secretary of State WebsiteHowever, ballots for the general election may not be available until closer to Election Day.
New Jersey Voters can obtain a sample ballot from the official website of the county where they are registered to vote, but they may not be available until late September.
New Mexico You can see a sample ballot on the Secretary of State’s website. Registration information page.
new york Voters can get a sample ballot from the official website of the county where they are registered to vote, but availability may vary.
North Carolina You can find sample ballots Voter Search It is posted on the State Board of Elections website.
North Dakota You can find sample ballots My voting information page It is posted on the Secretary of State’s website.
Ohio Voters can obtain a sample ballot from the official website of the county where they are registered to vote. County Directory It is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Oklahoma Sample ballot information, etc. Voter Portal page.
Oregon Sample ballot information, etc. My vote Website.
Pennsylvania Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Rhode Island You can find sample ballots here Voter Information Center page It is posted on the Secretary of State’s website.
South Carolina You can find a sample ballot by filling out online Mys Vote shape.
South Dakota You can find sample ballots here Secretary of State Voter Information Portalsite.
Tennessee Sharing voting and sample ballot information Vote Apps.
Texas Provides information about candidates running for Secretary of State. Current Election Information page.
Utah Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Vermont Please log in to find the sample ballot My Voter Page.
Virginia It lists candidates for the general election Election Administration WebsiteSample ballots will be available at your county polling place.
Washington Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
West Virginia Voters can obtain a sample ballot from the official website of the county where they are registered to vote. County Directory It is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Wisconsin You can search for sample ballots using our official search tool My Vote site.
Wyoming Voters can find a sample ballot on the official website of the county where they are registered to vote.
Several nonpartisan websites also collect links to sample ballots. Ballotpedia sample ballot searchPage and Vote411 Voting GuideThese sites, especially Ballotpedia, can provide you with up-to-date information no matter where you are in the country, even if your state’s specific resources haven’t yet been updated for the general election.
For example, if you enter your address, Ballotpedia will provide you with an up-to-date list of the elections and candidates on the ballot in your district, including a complete list of candidates running for each office and their party affiliation, as well as a brief summary of the ballot propositions.
Clicking on a candidate’s name will reveal a list of information about the candidate’s background, including past elected office, career history before entering politics, educational background, religious affiliation, and also links to their official campaign sites and social media profiles.
For more on this year’s election, see how AI will affect voting and how election officials are preparing for the fall.
