7 Important Voting Rights Questions (and Answers)

Election Day is less than a month away and there's been a lot of talk about early voting, voter fraud, and voter ID laws lately. Donald Trump has even said there will be "large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day [sic]" and that the "election is absolutely being rigged."

Despite pushback from election officials on both sides of the political spectrum and recent studies that found just 31 instances of voter fraud out of some one billion votes cast over the last 15 years, Trump's words are having an impact. A recent poll showed 73 percent of Republican voters think the election could be stolen, and many voters are wondering whether they can or will be stopped from voting at the polls.

And where you have voting rights questions, we have voting rights answers. Here's what you need to know about your voting rights, from our archives.

1. Early Voting Allowed in My State?

Not all states allow early voting, and time periods may vary even in those that do. Be sure to check with your local election board or your Secretary of State for more information.

2. Vote-by-Mail Much? You Can Now in New Jersey

In a few states, almost all voting is done by mail-in ballot. And some others are just coming around to voting-by-mail. Learn where to find your state's information.

3. Away at College? How and Where Do You Vote?

This might be the first presidential election in which you can vote, so find out what to do if your primary residence is in one state, but your school is in another.

4. Are Voter ID Laws Legal?

Of course we want to make sure only registered voters vote, and those who are voting are who they say they are. Does that mean someone can stop you from voting if you don't have ID with you?

5. What Should I Bring to the Ballot Box? An Update on State Voter ID Laws

Voter ID laws can vary: some states have no requirement, while others only allow you to vote with a government-issued photo ID. And quite a few have been recently challenged in court. Find out where your state stands now.

6. Can Citizens Enforce Voter Laws?

Trump has also asked his supporters to go to the polls and look out for voter fraud. Is that even legal?

7. What Is the Electoral College?

Once your vote has been cast, what does it mean? The U.S. has a quirky way of deciding presidential elections, so here's a look.

Only registered election officials can stop you from voting. If you have more questions about your voting rights, or if someone tries to intimidate you or block you from the polls, contact a civil rights attorney immediately.

Related Resources:

• Find Civil Rights Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• 7 Polling Place Legal Reminders for Election Day (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• 3 Election Day Laws to Know (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Top 5 Voting Rights Laws (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)