You exercised your civic duty and cast your vote – awesome! But like many, you might be wondering: how can I be sure my vote was actually counted? While you can't see *how* you voted (that's the beauty of a secret ballot!), you can often confirm your ballot was received and processed.
Many states offer online voter tools that allow you to track your ballot status. These tools, usually available on your state's election website or through your county's election office, let you see if your ballot was received, accepted, and counted. You'll typically need to enter your name, date of birth, and possibly your voter registration number.
Keep in mind that it might take a few days after you vote for the status to update. If you encounter any issues or the system indicates your ballot wasn't received when you know you submitted it, contact your local election officials immediately. They can help investigate and ensure your voice is heard! Voting is important, and confirming your vote counted is the final step in participating in the democratic process.