Elections 2024: How to find out what’s on your ballot this year

Both presidential candidates are scheduled to run in the 2024 election, but there’s a lot more happening further down the ballot that could have just as big an impact on your daily life when you vote in just over 8 weeks.

The highlight of this year’s election campaign is the presidential race between Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and her vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

Given the attention focused on them and their national interests, presidential elections are traditionally a much higher turnout in elections than midterm elections. But most ballots also include state and local candidates and often baffling ballot initiatives that, if approved, would amend a state’s constitution, change state law, or fund a project or initiative through a bond.

Here’s how to see what’s on your state’s ballot this election. For more information about the election, here’s how to find out if you’re registered to vote.

When is Election Day in 2024?

This year, election day falls on Tuesday, November 5. The general elections have traditionally been held on the first Tuesday of November every year since 1845.

Additionally, many states also hold early voting periods, for those who want to get a head start on the process or for anyone who doesn’t have time to get to the polls during the week. Here’s how to tell if your state allows early voting.

What else is on my ballot this year?

In addition to the headline-grabbing presidential elections, many states have other federal-level positions that are up for grabs. These include senators, who serve six-year terms, and representatives, who serve two-year terms and are therefore up for re-election during each presidential and midterm election year.

You can also find state legislative elections, as well as ballot initiatives that allow voters to decide on changes to state policy. Most will have one or two ballot proposals, but some states, like California, will have a handful, making the ability to find the referendums in one place essential for researching your interests.

Where can I find my ballot online?

While you can wait for your election officials to send you a sample ballot in the mail to help you prepare for how you’ll vote, many states share sample ballots online in advance of the election. For many states, this is done by county officials, but some statewide offices also offer sample ballot services. Many of these sources may also not be updated with general election ballots until close to Election Day, since their ballots are still taking shape. Here are some of your options, depending on where you live.

Alabama let yourself be found your sample ballot by province and party preference.

Alaska don’t let go sample ballot papers until about 50 days before the election, but you can check it out Alaska’s Voting Now.

Arizona does not have a central, statewide sample ballot information page, although certain counties allow you to view what is on your ballot on their websites. Otherwise, residents can check their address at Ballotpedia.

Arkansas has a Voice displaypage which includes sample ballots.