Online Registration
You can register online through your state’s election website or platforms like Vote.org and USA.gov.
By Mail
You can complete a voter registration form and mail it to your local election office. Forms can be downloaded from your state’s election website or EAC.gov.
In-Person
You can register to vote in person at several locations, including:
- Your state or local election office
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices
- Public assistance offices
- Armed services recruitment centers
- Public libraries
- Some schools or universities
Same-Day Registration
You can register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting or on Election Day. You will need to bring proof of residency and identification.
Deadlines for Registration
Vary by state. Deadlines can be anywhere from 15 to 30 days before an election. Some states with online registration or same-day registration have later deadlines. It’s essential to check your state’s specific deadlines. Voter Registration Deadlines – Vote.org
Updating Your Registration
You should update your voter registration if you:
- Move to a new address.
- Change your name.
- Want to change your party affiliation.
- Have not voted in several elections and need to confirm your registration status.
Checking Your Registration Status
You can check if you are registered to vote, confirm your registration details, or find your polling place using the following resources:
- Your state’s election office website.
- Vote.org
- CanIVote.org
Identification Requirements for Registration
Some states require you to provide identification when registering, especially if you are registering for the first time. Accepted IDs can include a driver’s license, state ID, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other approved documents.
Special Considerations
College Students – College students can choose to register at their school address or their home address, depending on where they plan to vote.
Military and Overseas Voters – U.S. citizens living abroad or serving in the military can register and vote using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).
Homeless Individuals – Homeless individuals can register to vote using a shelter address, a location they frequently stay at, or a public space such as a park as their address.
Voters with Disabilities – Voters with disabilities may request accommodation when registering and voting, including accessible registration forms and assistance at polling places.
Identification
Some states require you to present a valid form of identification at the polling place. Accepted forms of ID can vary but generally include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Supporting Rules and Regulations
Absentee and Early Voting – Most states offer absentee voting by mail and/or early in-person voting. Rules and deadlines vary by state.
Provisional Ballots – If your eligibility to vote is in question on Election Day, you may be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. This ballot will be counted once your eligibility is confirmed.
Assistance for Disabled Voters – Polling places must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Voters with disabilities may also request assistance with voting.
Language Assistance – Under the Voting Rights Act, jurisdictions with significant populations of non-English speakers must provide election materials in multiple languages.
Resources
- Rock the Vote
- All In Challenge
- Vote.org
- League of Women Voters
- When We All Vote
- Ask Every Student
- Help America Vote
- Register to Vote (https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote)
- Voter Lookup (https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov)
- Sample Ballot Lookup (https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup)
- Registration Deadline (https://vote.nyc/page/registration-deadlines)
- Registration and Voting Deadline (https://elections.ny.gov/registration-and-voting-deadlines)
- Vote (https://vote.gov)
- Voting as a College Student (https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/college-student)
- Election Day Worker (https://pollworker.vote.nyc/r/boe)
- Find Your Poll Site (https://vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site)
