Voting During or After a Disaster or Emergency
Protect Your Vote When Disaster Strikes
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, severe storms, power outages and other emergencies can close polling places, disrupt mail delivery or force families from their homes. Your right to vote does not go away in a disaster. If an emergency affects your community during the 2026 midterm elections, take these three steps to protect your vote.
How to Prepare
Vote early if you can.
If severe weather or another emergency is expected, don't wait until Election Day. Make voting part of your emergency preparation plan. Vote early in person where available or return your mail ballot as soon as possible, following your state's rules. If you want a mail ballot, request it now. Many states' deadlines for requesting a ballot are in late October.
Check for voting updates. Know your options.
Contact your state or local election office to confirm polling locations, voting hours, deadlines, and ID requirements. If you've been displaced, ask about your registration address and whether a mail ballot can be sent to your temporary location. If you've lost your identification, ask about acceptable alternatives and provisional ballot options. Voting rules vary by state.
Get help if you have a voting problem.
If your polling place is closed, you cannot access your ballot, or you're having trouble voting. Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or report a problem at naacp.org/vote.