Happy election day! It's time to go to the polls, assuming you haven't already participated in early voting or cast your vote by mail. But before you go, make sure you know your rights in case you encounter any problems while voting.

In the four years since the last presidential election, several states have passed new election laws, many under the guise of improving election security. But voting rights advocates argue that voting is already safe and that the laws actually make it harder for some legitimate voters — particularly people of color and other marginalized communities — to vote.

For example, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Republican officials in Virginia to move forward with a plan aimed at purging 1,600 presumed noncitizen voters from the state's voter rolls before the election. Civil rights groups backed by the Biden administration questioned the plan, saying it also resulted in some legal voters being purged from the voter rolls.

In other states, voters face hurdles including new proof of residency requirements, shortened deadlines for absentee ballot applications, the elimination of drop boxes and restrictive voter ID requirements.

Before you go to the polls, make sure you know where you want to go, have everything you need, and know your rights. Here are a few pointers from the American Civil Liberties Union, Election Protection and Verified Voting.

Know your rights

Double check your polling place. The Voting Information Project, run by the group Democracy Works, is a good place to start. You can enter your address to get your polling location and hours of operation. Otherwise, call your local election officials or visit their website directly. Be wary of unsolicited advertising Emails, Texts or Social media posts. You could be a Fraud or part of a disinformation campaign.

Know what you need to vote. Some states require ID. Others may require ID or other proof of residency when voting for the first time. Know it before you go.

Know your rights when voting. If you are standing in line when the polls close, you can still vote. If the voting machines fail, stay in line and request a paper ballot. And if you make a mistake, you have the right to request a new ballot.

What happens if your name is not on the poll's voter list? Include your name to ensure the poll worker gets it right, advises the ACLU. Ask the poll worker to double-check that you are at the correct voting location. If so, ask the poll worker if there is an additional voter list or statewide database they can check. If your name still cannot be found, you are still eligible for a provisional ballot. This way you can choose. The officials will then later check whether you are eligible to vote. If yes, your vote will be counted.

What is considered voter intimidation? Although observers are allowed to attend polls, they are not allowed to aggressively question voters about their citizenship, criminal record or other voting credentials. People are also prohibited from falsely impersonating poll workers or spreading false information about voting requirements.

What if I have a disability or struggle with English? Polling stations must be accessible to people with physical disabilities or other mobility restrictions. Voters with disabilities and difficulty reading or writing English also have the right, with some restrictions, to receive personal assistance from the person of their choice, the ACLU said.

Do you need help? If you are turned away from the polls, denied a provisional ballot, or feel you have been exposed to voters, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Cases of voter intimidation should also be reported to local election officials.

Why it matters

Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, says voting rights are under “unprecedented attacks” across the country, with those efforts too often targeting people of color.

“The voter suppression we are witnessing today truly reflects some of the worst moments in our country’s history,” Hewitt said in a conference call with reporters last month.

But he added that at the same time, there have always been leaders, community organizations and everyday people who have stood up to protect the right to vote.

“We stand united and oppose these efforts to intimidate, confuse and discourage the American people from having their voices heard,” Hewitt said.

His group and others have banded together again this year to form Election Protection, a coalition of civil and voting rights groups that is mobilizing to help when voters run into trouble on Tuesday.

The Election Protection primary voter hotline can be reached at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Additional resources, including voter assistance hotline numbers in multiple languages, can be found on the group's website.