In the United States, you cannot participate in elections if you are not a registered voter. Most states make it very easy for citizens to register to vote, since they want to encourage all eligible voters to take part in the democratic process. The procedure is essentially the same in all states, although there may be some small differences. It usually involves simply filling out a registration form.
Before you register to vote, determine whether or not you are eligible to vote. You must be an American citizen to vote in the United States, and you must also be 18 years of age or older at the time of the election. In some states, you cannot be a convicted felon. You must also be a resident of the county in which you are registering to vote. In some cases, you must register 15 days before an election, although this requirement varies widely, from 10 to 30 days, depending on the location.
After you have determined that you are eligible to vote, pick up a voter registration form. These forms are available in many places, including libraries, post offices, and the department of motor vehicles. For non-English speakers, voter registration forms in other languages are provided. Many states also offer voter registration materials online, through the office of the Secretary of State. In addition, voter outreach organizations provide voter registration forms, if you are having difficulty finding one.
Fill out all of the information on the voter registration form. The form asks for your address and date of birth, and some request your party affiliation. It will also ask for proof of identity, such as a Social Security Number or driver’s license number, and it will have a space for a signature. Mail the voter registration or take it to your local voter registration office, and look for a registration card in two to four weeks. If you do not receive such a card, contact your county clerk or registrar of voters to make sure that you are listed on the rolls.
You will need to re-register if you change your name, political affiliation, or address. In some cases, you can change this information by calling the county clerk, although you may find it easier to fill out a new voter registration form.
Some states allow people to register to vote at the polling place. In this instance, bring proof of your residence, along with a valid identification. You will receive a provisional ballot, and you can check back with the registrar of voters or the county clerk later to make sure that your registration was accepted.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also called the Motor Voter Act, made it possible for individuals in most states to register to vote when they applied for social services or when they applied for or renewed their drivers licenses. This is often the easiest way to register in the US.