How to Register to Vote
The United States just went through a historic election, and many Americans did not exercise their right to vote. If you would like to vote in the next election but are not registered or not sure of your voter status, keep reading.
To Register: First, go to vote.gov to check your voter registration. If you are registered, you’re all good and can vote with your choice of legal identification, like a drivers license. If you are not registered, you should be redirected to begin the registration process online. Follow the instructions by providing the requested information.
To vote in the United States you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by election day, and a resident of the state you are registering in.
If you do not live at the address you have already been registered with, you can either travel to vote, vote by mail, or re-register at your current address.
Most states also offer absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other registered voters are expected to vote in person during either early voting or on election day.
Dates vary per state for early voting, mail-in voting, and registration. Check your state’s specifics at vote.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must provide your ID, including your address and your telephone number, to the board of registrars no later than 5:00 P.M. on the Friday following the election. If you fail to provide ID to the board by that time, your ballot will not be counted.
How can I check the status of my ballot?: After you have submitted your ballot you can check its status. Vote,org can tell you if your vote has been cast successfully or not. If you discover your ballot was not valid after voting, call or visit your county election office as soon as possible. Many states have a "cure period" after election day, which is a window that allows voters to fix certain ballot issues. Deadlines vary by state, so act quickly.
