Your District May Have Changed This Election Season. Here’s What to Do Before You Vote

When states redraw district boundaries, Levitt says, “the races you see on the ballot may be different, but they tend not to mess with precincts or polling places.”

Finding new polling places that fit accessibility and proximity requirements can be tough, so election officials try to avoid switching. But it can still be necessary if a district line cuts through a precinct or if a state needs to even out the number of voters, says Owens Hubler.

It’s a good idea to double-check whether or not your state is shuffling its map. Sometimes election administrators find the school or gym they typically use is not available, Levitt points out. “Don’t assume the place you voted last time is the place you’ll vote this time,” he says.

He suggests verifying your voter registration two months in advance and voting location 30 days before the election, when plans will be settled.

Ideally, election officials in states that are making changes will send voters information by mail, on their official voter websites, in traditional media or on social media. But this is a year to be proactive, says Owens Hubler.

Confirm your polling place with the lookup tool on your official state or local election website. If there is no lookup tool, “whoever is administering the election shouldn’t be put out by you contacting them to double-check,” says Kate Donovan, director of the Redistricting Data Hub. You can find this contact information on your state’s official voter information website as well. 

Research your candidates

Finding out who is on your ballot before heading to the polls helps you make an informed decision. It’s especially important if you are in a district where the lines have been redrawn, because you may see different names on the slate than you have in the past.

Your state may mail a sample ballot ahead of time, which will let you familiarize yourself with your options. If not, you can check your state election website for a preview or use the lookup tool at ballotpedia.org. Also, voter guides may appear in your local newspaper.

Knowing the candidates on your ballot in advance can also help you catch a mistake if election officials accidentally mail you the wrong ballot or provide you with the wrong one in person.

Check the 2026 election dates

It is unlikely that your primary dates will change, but two states have done so this year in anticipation of new maps. Shortly before early voting was set to begin on May 2, Louisiana postponed its primaries for U.S. House seats until Nov. 3. (Its general election will take place on Dec. 12 if necessary.) Elections for other ballots and office measures will continue as planned. T

Alabama moved primaries for four congressional districts from their scheduled date of May 19 to August. The general election will be held Nov. 3. 

Voting early gives you time to course-correct if you head to the wrong polling place. Voting by mail circumvents the problem altogether. In states that provide drop boxes, this method of delivery is unlikely to be affected because they can typically be used by any voter in the county.

What if redistricting means you miss a change?

If your polling location has moved and you accidentally show up at the old one, don’t panic. Ask poll workers where to go and head there. Officials “are supposed to tell you you’re in the wrong place and give you the option of going to the right place, but it doesn’t always happen,” Levitt says.

If you can’t make it to the correct polling place and you choose to cast a provisional ballot where you are, be aware that your vote may not count at all. In some places, it may count for local races in the same district or statewide races, such as for governor. 

“There is so much variation by state about what happens if you show up at the wrong polling place,” Donovan says.

It’s best to avoid the problem altogether by doing a bit of research and preparation ahead of time.