Primary elections are happening in most states now through September to decide who will appear on the November 3 midterm election ballot. This year, all 435 U.S. House seats, 35 U.S. Senate seats, and many governor, mayor, and state legislative races are up for election. Here’s how to get ready to vote in your state’s primary election.
How do I make a plan to vote?
1. Check or update your voter registration (especially if you’ve moved or changed your name)
If you’re thinking about skipping this step because you think you’re already registered – think again. There are plenty of reasons to double-check your registration, including:
If you recently moved or your address has changed
If you legally changed your name
If you had your voting rights restored
If you haven’t voted in a couple of years
If you have 3 minutes to spare and you plan on voting in this election
Double-check your registration just to be sure. Better safe than sorry!
2. Learn what’s on your ballot
There are elections for U.S. representatives, U.S. senators, governors, state legislatures, ballot measures, and other local and state offices happening across the country that have a HUGE impact on your everyday life.
Take some time to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot, because voting isn’t a pop quiz. Knowing what’s at stake ahead of time ensures you’re prepared when it comes time to vote.
3. Find your state’s primary election date
Expand the list below for online voter registration deadlines and primary election dates for states’ upcoming primaries. Check your state’s linked election office website for any updates, and mark your calendar!
Maryland: register by June 2 or same day registration for Primary on June 23
Massachusetts: register by August 22 for Primary September 1
Michigan: register by July 20 or same day registration for Primary on August 4
Minnesota: register by July 21 or same day registration for Primary August 11
Missouri: register by July 8 for Primary on August 4
Montana: register by May 4 or same day registration for Primary on June 2
Nebraska: register by April 24 for the Primary on May 12
Nevada: register by May 12 or same day registration for Primary on June 9
New Hampshire: register 6-13 days before election day depending on local election office or same day registration for Primary September 8
New Jersey: register by May 12 for Primary on June 2
New Mexico: register by May 5 for Primary on June 2
New York: register by June 13 for Primary on June 23
North Dakota: No registration required for Primary on June 9
Ohio: register by April 6 for the Primary on May 5
Oklahoma: register by May 22 for Primary on June 16
Oregon: register by April 28 for the Primary on May 19
Pennsylvania: register by May 4 for the Primary on May 19
Rhode Island: register by August 9 for Primary September 8
South Carolina: register by May 10 for Primary on June 9
South Dakota: register by May 18 for Primary on June 2
Tennessee: register by July 7 for Primary on August 6
Utah: register by June 12 or same day registration for Primary on June 23
Vermont: register by August 11 for Primary on August 11
Virginia: register by July 24 or same day registration for Primary on August 4
Washington: register by July 27 or same day registration for Primary on August 4
West Virginia: register by April 21 for the Primary on May 12
Wisconsin: register by July 21 or same day registration for Primary August 11
Wyoming: register by August 4 for Primary on August 18
4. Decide when and how you’ll vote
States have varying options for how, when, and where you can cast your ballot. Check your state’s voting methods and choose the one that works best for you. Depending on where you live, you may have several options:
Some states require voters to show a valid ID for in-person voting, so before you head to the polls, make sure you have everything you need.
Why is voting important to fight climate change?
Our biggest environmental challenges require political solutions. Our vote is our power to fight for those solutions.
From the local to national level, our government can have a huge impact on the climate crisis – for better or for worse. The communities most impacted by the climate crisis must have a voice in choosing leaders who can fight for them.
In fact, our vote is so important that the Trump administration and its allies in Congress are staging a massive year-long string of attacks on voting rights. Through their “SAVE Act 2.0” bills, fights in the Supreme Court and more, they are trying to make it harder for millions of citizens to register to vote and have their vote counted on Election Day.
This election season, it’s more important than ever to vote for candidates who will fight for our rights.
How can I spread the word about the primaries?
Make sure your friends and family also make a plan to vote in their primary election. To spread the word, share this blog post on BlueSky or Facebook!
