Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities of citizens in the U.S. If you’re not registered yet, the process is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get registered and ready to participate in your local, state, and national elections.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before registering to vote, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You need to be at least 18 years old by the time of the next election (some states allow pre-registration if you’re younger).
- You must meet your state’s residency requirements.
- You cannot be a convicted felon (laws vary by state regarding voting rights restoration).
2. Choose Your Registration Method
You can register to vote in a variety of ways:
- Online: Many states offer online voter registration through their election websites. You’ll need a valid driver’s license or state ID to register to vote online.
- By Mail: You can print a voter registration form from sites like the U.S. Election Assistance Commission or pick one up from your local election office.
- In Person: Visit your local election office, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or other government agencies. You can also register to vote in person at certain public assistance agencies.
3. Complete the Registration Form
If you’re registering to vote online or by mail, you’ll need to provide information like:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Driver’s license or state ID number (or the last four digits of your Social Security number)
- Political party preference (in some states, this is optional or only relevant for primary elections)
4. Submit Your Registration to Vote
Once you’ve completed the form, submit it:
- Online: Your registration will be automatically sent to your local election office.
- By Mail: Send the completed form to the appropriate address listed on the form. Be sure to mail it in well before the registration deadline in your state.
- In Person: Deliver the form directly to your local election office or register when completing other state services (such as at the DMV).
5. Confirm Your Registration to Vote
After submitting your registration, you can check its status:
- Visit your state’s election website or use national services like Vote.org to confirm that you’re registered to vote.
- Some states will send a voter registration card by mail confirming your status.
6. Know Your Deadlines
Every state has different deadlines for voter registration, typically ranging from 15 to 30 days before Election Day. Be sure to check your state’s specific deadlines, especially if you’re submitting a mail-in registration form.
7. Update Your Registration if Needed
If you move, change your name, or wish to update your political party affiliation, you’ll need to update your voter registration. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
8. Get Ready to Vote
Once registered, you’re ready to vote! Whether you vote in person, early, or by mail, be sure to bring any required identification and confirm your polling place or ballot submission instructions.
State-Specific Voter Registration Guides
Below are links for how to register to vote in each U.S. state. Click on your state for detailed, state-specific instructions on how to register to vote:
- How to Register to Vote in Alabama
- How to Register to Vote in Alaska
- How to Register to Vote in Arizona
- How to Register to Vote in Arkansas
- How to Register to Vote in California
- How to Register to Vote in Colorado
- How to Register to Vote in Connecticut
- How to Register to Vote in Delaware
- How to Register to Vote in Florida
- How to Register to Vote in Georgia
- How to Register to Vote in Hawaii
- How to Register to Vote in Idaho
- How to Register to Vote in Illinois
- How to Register to Vote in Indiana
- How to Register to Vote in Iowa
- How to Register to Vote in Kansas
- How to Register to Vote in Kentucky
- How to Register to Vote in Louisiana
- How to Register to Vote in Maine
- How to Register to Vote in Maryland
- How to Register to Vote in Massachusetts
- How to Register to Vote in Michigan
- How to Register to Vote in Minnesota
- How to Register to Vote in Mississippi
- How to Register to Vote in Missouri
- How to Register to Vote in Montana
- How to Register to Vote in Nebraska
- How to Register to Vote in Nevada
- How to Register to Vote in New Hampshire
- How to Register to Vote in New Jersey
- How to Register to Vote in New Mexico
- How to Register to Vote in New York
- How to Register to Vote in North Carolina
- How to Register to Vote in North Dakota
- How to Register to Vote in Ohio
- How to Register to Vote in Oklahoma
- How to Register to Vote in Oregon
- How to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania
- How to Register to Vote in Rhode Island
- How to Register to Vote in South Carolina
- How to Register to Vote in South Dakota
- How to Register to Vote in Tennessee
- How to Register to Vote in Texas
- How to Register to Vote in Utah
- How to Register to Vote in Vermont
- How to Register to Vote in Virginia
- How to Register to Vote in Washington
- How to Register to Vote in West Virginia
- How to Register to Vote in Wisconsin
- How to Register to Vote in Wyoming
- *How to Register to Vote in Puerto Rico