Register to Vote!

Most states require you to sign up to vote in elections, a process called voter registration. If you do not register to vote before a state’s deadline, which can sometimes be as early as 30 days before an election, you may not be allowed to vote. Even if you haven’t decided whom you’re voting for or even if you’re voting,  you should register now – it takes just a few minutes and ensures you have the option later.

The voter registration rules vary by state. In some states, you can pre-register, meaning you’re eligible to register to vote at 16 or 17 years old, but you cannot vote until you turn 18. If you will turn 18 by Election Day, you should register to vote ASAP. 

Think you’re already registered to vote? It never hurts to take a few minutes to double-check and avoid any potential issues later on. This also gives you a chance to update your address, change your party registration, or troubleshoot any potential issues well before an election date.

Learn more about registering to vote in your state.

You should register to vote where you currently live, or where you reside for the majority of the year. If you have moved recently, you may need to re-register to vote in your new location. If you are a college student, you have the option to register at your residence on campus or back at home.

Voter registration deadlines vary by state. In some, you may register any time up to and including on Election Day, but in most states, you must register well ahead of that date. It’s important to be aware of the deadlines in your state to ensure you’re registered in time. The best time to register is NOW! 

You can check your state’s registration deadlines, register today, and sign up for election reminders using NVEW’s voter tool here. 

It’s always worth double-checking your registration ahead of time – it takes just a few minutes and gives you peace of mind you’re ready for election day. If you have moved, changed your name, or want to change your political party, you need to update your registration to avoid potential issues later on. 

Some states can also remove inactive voters from their lists. While rare, this can even affect voters who think they’ve recently voted.

Depending on where you live, you may have different options! There are three different ways to register to vote – in person, by mail, or online. Each way to register has different rules and requirements, and deadlines may vary by type. For example, if you missed the online or by-mail registration deadline, in some states you may be able to register in person at your local election office or even at the polls! Start the registration process and learn about the registration options in your state. 

Voting eligibility will vary state to state but as a general rule, you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the state you’re registering to vote in.

While you must be 18 years old to actually cast a ballot (in most cases), there are several states with pre-registration laws that allow you to register to vote even if you’re only 16 or 17 years old. This will ensure that you’re ready to vote in an election once you turn 18! If you’ll be 18 by the next election in your community, you can likely register today but you should confirm by looking at your specific state’s pre-registration guidelines here.

Even if you have a felony conviction, most states will still allow you to vote under certain conditions. For example, many states allow people to vote immediately after finishing their prison sentence, but some states will require a few additional steps. It’s always important to check your specific state requirements before registering to vote.

To learn more about the specific eligibility requirements in your state, please visit our partners at Election Protection. 

When you register to vote or vote for the first time in a federal election (Presidential or Congressional elections) in your state, you must prove who you are. This is required by federal law but doesn’t always mean you need a specific ID to register to vote.

If your state allows online voter registration, it may require an in-state driver’s license or state ID card to use the service. If you don’t have either, you can usually register in person or by mail. When registering in person or by mail, you usually have to provide your driver’s license or state ID number if you have one. If you do not, you usually have to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you cannot provide any of this information, your voter registration may not be processed successfully.

To get more information on whether you need an ID to register, you can go to VoteRiders.org. You can also call or text VoteRiders at 866-432-8683, fill out a form, or you can chat with them through their chatbot. 

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