How to Register for Elections

Voters must register in advance of election day.

Voting is one of the most fundamental acts in the democratic process. Even so, you must still ensure you're registered before the election date, or else your vote will not count. Though registration rules vary slightly from state to state, the overall registration process is the same no matter where you live. With some simple early planning, you will have an easy time when election day finally comes around.

Things You'll Need

• State-issued identification
• Voter registration form

Instructions

1. Check to see if you are already registered. For most states, if you move to a new location but stay within your local county, you don't have to re-register to vote. If you move anywhere outside of your county, you do have to re-register. Some states, like California and Texas, have online systems that can tell you where you are registered. Note that if you move to a different city within you county, you may not have to re-register to vote, but you will not be able to participate in the municipal elections of your new home.

2. Check the earliest voter registration deadline. If you haven't registered to vote by this date, your vote will not be counted on election day. Go to the website for the secretary of state (SOS) for your particular state. Missouri, Alabama and Washington list the voter registration deadline for each election. County registrars' websites also provide such information regarding local elections.

   Secretaries of state are responsible for managing the electoral process within states, and they have the latest information on when elections are held. Several state offices have primary elections, general elections and, if necessary, runoff elections, so you may have to vote a few times for the same position. The SOS's website will let you know if you have to make multiple trips to the polls.

3. Pick up a voter registration form. If you don't live in a state that has online voter registration, you will have to fill out a paper form. They are usually found at the Department of Motor Vehicles, post offices, public libraries and university campuses.

4. Fill out voter the registration form. Driver's license application forms at the DMV may have an optional check box for registering to vote. The form is generally only a page long and is simple to to fill out. The most important part is that you accurately fill out your name and address, as this is the information that is checked at the polls on election day.

5. Return the voter registration form. If you are at the DVM or library, the form will go directly to the clerk who is assisting you. Sometimes political groups hold voter registration drives in public spaces like parks or street corners. You can fill out a paper form and return it to the people holding the event. Finally, if your state has online registration, the form is simply submitted over the Internet.

References

• California Secretary of State: Voter Registration
• Texas Secretary of State: Texas Voting
• Missouri Secretary of State: 2011 Missouri Election Calendar
• Georgia Secretary of State: Election Dates and Deadlines
• Washington Secretary of State: Deadlines to Register
• Alabama Secretary of State: Voter Registration