Election Day Card: Problems at the polls?

For elections for President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. Keep this card with you.

1. Watch for these problems

There is no working voting machine for people with disabilities.
A voter's name is not on the list, and no one offers a provisional ballot.
Voters cannot check their choices or fix a mistake before the ballot is cast.
Required signs are missing: sample ballot, voting hours, how to vote, and voter rights.
A first-time voter who registered by mail has no ID and is not offered a provisional ballot.
Provisional voters are not told how to find out if their ballot counted.

2. Write it down right away

The date and the time.
The place: polling place name, street address, and precinct.
What happened, in your own words. Write down what people said.
Names or job titles of the poll workers.
Names and phone numbers of people who saw it.
Photos only if your state allows them at the polls.

Stay calm. Do not block voters or argue with poll workers.

3. Get help

U.S. Department of Justice, voting rights:
1-800-253-3931
civilrights.justice.gov/report

Threats or violence: call 911.
Election crimes, such as fraud: FBI at tips.fbi.gov.

4. File fast: state deadlines

Shortest deadline first. Your complaint must reach the state in time.

Filing deadlines by state, shortest first
Time limit	Counted from	States
10 days	after it happens	VA
30 days	after it happens*	AR, CT, KS, MS, NC, WV, WY
30 days	after the election is certified	MO, WA
60 days	after it happens*	AK, AZ, CA, ME, MD, NE, NV
60 days	after the election is certified	VT
90 days	after it happens*	IL, KY, RI
90 days	after the election is certified	ID, IA, LA, OH
120 days	after it happens	NY
1 year	after it happens*	CO, NH

* In some of these states the time starts when you found out, or at certification, if that is later. AK also has an outer limit of 90 days after certification. All other states: no deadline found, but file soon anyway.

5. Find your state's form

Scan, or go to arsenal.handcountroadshow.org/hava. Open the State directory and pick your state. You will find the form, the address, and the rules. You can also call your county or state election office.

A HAVA complaint must be written, signed, and sworn in front of a notary. Keep a copy.

From the HAVA Complaint Center, Hand Count Road Show (arsenal.handcountroadshow.org/hava). HAVA is the Help America Vote Act. This card is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines come from each state's published rule or form; check your state before you file. Updated October 21, 2026.