Eight shows a week. A tour that changes cities every Sunday. A ballot that still has to get home. Here's how actors, musicians, crew, and creatives can vote from wherever the work takes them.
We'll point you to the right first step. Every option leads to the same place: a ballot that counts.
For most theatre workers, your voting residence is the place you consider home and plan to return to, even when a tour, sit-down run, or out-of-town tryout keeps you away for months. Working somewhere temporarily usually doesn't change it. If you've truly moved, register at your new address instead. Each state defines residency a little differently, so ask your local election office if you're not sure.
New apartment? New name? Update your registration so your ballot goes to the right place. You can check your status and register in a few minutes with our voter tool or at vote.gov.
Registration deadlines vary by state, and some fall weeks before Election Day.Every state has a way to vote absentee when you'll be away, though the rules differ. Some states ask for a reason, like being out of town for work, and some don't. Have the ballot mailed to where you'll actually be: your hotel, company housing, or a mailing address your company manager recommends.
Many election offices won't forward ballots, so don't count on mail forwarding.Request your ballot weeks ahead, not days. Look at the tour schedule and choose a city where you'll still be when the ballot arrives. Many states let you track your ballot online from the moment it's mailed until it's counted.
Follow the instructions exactly. Sign where it asks, add a witness if your state requires one, and use the envelope provided. Check whether your state counts ballots by postmark or by the day they arrive, then mail it early, especially from out of state.
If your ballot hasn't shown up, call your local election office right away. Depending on your state, you may be able to get a replacement, vote early in person on a day off if you're home, or vote in person with a provisional ballot.
Tick off each cue as you go. Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere. It's just a checklist for you.
Many Broadway workers are registered in New York. Here's what to know before you head out of town.
Since 2024, any registered New York voter can request an early mail ballot without giving a reason.
New York absentee ballots still ask for a reason, like being out of town on Election Day. Early mail ballots work the same way, without the reason.
New York has a nine-day early voting period before Election Day, which makes it easier to vote around rehearsals and a show schedule.
Yes. Register at your home address and request an absentee or mail ballot from your home state. Have it sent to a city where you'll be when it arrives, then return it by your state's deadline.
Usually not. Working somewhere temporarily generally doesn't change your voting residence. If you've moved to a new state for good, register there instead. Residency rules vary by state, so check with your election office if you're unsure.
Request a mail ballot anyway so you have it. Be aware that in some states, including New York, once you've been issued a mail ballot you'll need to vote with an affidavit or provisional ballot if you decide to vote in person instead.
Don't count on it. Many election offices mark ballots so they won't be forwarded. Request your ballot directly to the address where you'll be.
Many students can choose to vote either at their school address or at home. You can't do both. Vote.gov has a guide for students that explains the options.
No. Broadway for Democracy is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This guide is about how to vote, not who to vote for.
