Planning how you'll vote is an important step in making sure your voice is heard.
Each state has different rules, and the electoral landscape has changed significantly since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic upended the world.
So far, 32 states have implemented major rule changes. For example, you need identification to vote on Election Day in 33 states. In 12 states, you need a notary or a witness to vote by mail. Additionally, nine states have excluded COVID-19 as a reason to vote by mail.
With so many variables to consider, the 2022 Plan Your Vote tool by NBC News is here to help.
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The Plan Your Vote tool allows people to review their states' voting rules, including whether there is early voting, voting by mail and identification requirements.
Check out the tool by visiting NBCNews.com/PlanYourVote.
And here are some key dates to know for D.C., Maryland and Virginia:
When Is the General Election in D.C., Maryland and Virginia?
Election Day in all three locations is Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
D.C. Voting Information:
Early Voting Dates and Locations: Voters can cast their ballots at any voting center, regardless of their residential address. Voting centers were open Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Go here for more information and voting center locations.
Mail-In Ballot Deadline: All registered voters in D.C. should receive ballots in the mail, but voters who expect to be away from their D.C. residence can request a mail-in ballot. Your voted and mailed ballot must be postmarked or otherwise demonstrated to have been sent on or before Election Day, Nov. 8, and must arrive no later than seven days after Election Day.
Ballot Drop Box Locations in D.C.: You can drop your voted mail-in-ballot in any ballot drop box at any time beginning Friday, Oct. 14 until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Go here for a full list of drop box locations in D.C.
Find Your Polling Place for Election Day: Voters can cast their ballots at any voting center regardless of their residential address. Here's a list of voting centers.
Election Day Polling Hours: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Go to the D.C. Board of Elections website for more voting information.
Maryland Voting Information:
Early Voting Dates and Locations: The early voting period was Thursday, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Nov. 3, including Saturday and Sunday. Here's a list of voting centers in each county.
Mail-In Ballot Deadlines: To vote by mail, you must have requested a mail-in ballot from the State Board of Elections or your local board by Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked or placed in a designated ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Ballot Drop Box Locations in Maryland: Go here for a full list of drop box locations in each Maryland county and in Baltimore City.
Find Your Polling Place for Election Day: Go here to find your polling place.
Election Day Polling Hours: Voters must go to their assigned polling place on Nov. 8. All polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
More information is available on the State Board of Elections website.
Virginia Voting Information:
Early Voting Dates and Locations: Early voting began in Virginia in late September and ran through Saturday, Nov. 5. Voters could either have gone to their local registrar's office or to these satellite locations to vote early.
Mail-In Ballot Deadlines: The last day to request that a ballot be mailed to you was Oct. 28. You request a mail-in ballot here. Complete and return your ballot to your local registrar's office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. If you're returning your ballot by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Nov. 8 and received by the registrar's office by noon on the third day after the election.
Ballot Drop Box Locations in Virginia: Voters can return mail-in ballots at drop-off locations. For more information on drop-off locations in your locality, review the absentee instructions provided in your absentee ballot mailing.
Find Your Polling Place for Election Day: Go here to find your polling place.
Election Day Polling Hours: Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
More information on voting is available on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
