Where To Register To Vote

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Voting in state or federal elections is an important duty since it's your chance to have your voice heard and show support for candidates. If you're currently unregistered and want your vote to count in the next state or federal election, you can easily apply by mail. Some states may require you to register up to a month before an election, so be sure to check the deadline. Be sure to check your state's eligibility requirements since they may vary and submit the application before the deadline. Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible to vote by mail so you don't have to go to the polls on Election Day. Warning: Many states are changing their voting and election rules in response to COVID-19. Visit https://www.vote.org/covid-19/ to see if your state rules have changed.

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Confirm you're eligible to vote in your state. In all states, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and meet your state's residency requirements. Find specific information for your state at https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-rules/
- Some states have additional requirements. For instance, you may not be eligible to vote if you've been convicted of a felony or committed by the state. If you have a felony conviction, you can learn more about your voting rights at https://campaignlegal.org/restoreyourvote.
- If you are under the age of 18, you may be able to pre-register to vote if your state allows it. If you aren't yet 18 and your state does not have pre-registration, sign up at https://www.vote.org/pledge-to-register to receive a text reminder on your 18th birthday and a link to register to vote.
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Find the registration application from the Election Assistance Commission. Visit the US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) site and locate the National Mail Voter Registration Form. You may either fill out a PDF online or print it out to fill it out by hand.^[1]
- You can find the registration form here: https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/Federal_Voter_Registration_ENG.pdf.
- You can also use the same application form to report a name or address change if you're already registered.
Tip: If you aren't sure whether you're registered in your state, you can check your registration status at https://verify.vote.org/ or by visiting your State Election website.
3
Check your state's deadline to register by mail. The deadline varies from state to state, but some may require you to register as early as a month before any election.
- You can find the deadline for your state in the state-specific instructions that follow the Registration Form. You can also find your state's registration deadlines here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/.
4
Read over the instructions for the Voter Registration Application. Read the general and application instructions so you know how to fill out and submit the form properly. Then, go to the back of the application to find your state-specific eligibility and form instruction.
- Make sure you fully understand how to fill out the form before you start working on it. Doing this will prevent you from making any errors that could lead to your application being delayed.
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Check the boxes at the top of the application to confirm your eligibility. The first 2 questions on the form ask if you are a U.S. citizen and if you'll be at least 18 years old by Election day. Put an "X" or a checkmark in the appropriate box.
- If your answer to either of these questions is "No," you are not eligible to vote and should not complete the rest of the form.
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Put your name and addresses in boxes 1–3 of the application. Use black or blue ink to fill in your form so it's easier to read and process. Put your full name in Box 1 on the application, starting with your last name. Then write your home address in Box 2, making sure all of your information is written clearly and accurately. If you have a separate mailing address, add it to box 3.^[2]
- You may not list a PO Box in Box 2, but you can list one in Box 3.
- If you live in a rural area but don't have a house number or if you have no address, fill out Section C on the bottom of the application. Write down the names of the nearest cross streets on a map. Draw an "X" on the map to mark your house and then put a dot to represent any notable landmarks, such as grocery stores, churches, or a post office.
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Write your date of birth and telephone number in Boxes 4 and 5 respectively. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY when you list your date of birth. Then list a telephone number in Box 5 where officials can reach you if they have any questions or concerns about your application.^[3]
- You do not need to provide a telephone number if you do not want to, but it may take longer to address any concerns with your application.
- Be sure to write your date of birth and not the current date as this is a common mistake.
8
Put your ID Number in Box 6. Look for your state in the back pages of the application to find what form of identification you need for Box 6. You may need to use your state-issued ID, Social Security Number, or another form of identification. Based on your state's instructions, write this information in Box 6.^[4]
- If you don't have any of this identification, follow the state's specific instructions. For example, you may be instructed to write "NONE" in the box. Your state may later assign you a unique voter ID number to process your application.
9
Choose a preferred political party if your state requires it. Find your state listed in the back pages on the application to see if you are required to choose your party preference. Based on those instructions, select the party that you align with the most and write the name of the party in Box 7. You may also leave this box blank if your state allows it.^[5]
- Some states will not allow you to participate in primary elections, caucuses, or conventions if you are not registered with a political party.
- Some parties you may select include Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent, as well as others that are recognized by your state.
10
Provide information about your race or ethnicity if your state requires it. Find your state listed in the back pages of the application to see if you are required to list your race or ethnic group in Box 8. A few states ask for your race and ethnic group, but many states do not require this information. Several states instruct voters to leave Box 8 blank.
- If your state requires information about your race or ethnic group, write the choice that best describes you from this list: American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black, not of Hispanic Origin; Hispanic; Multi-racial; White, not of Hispanic origin; or other.
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Sign and date the fields in box 9. Read through the application to make sure you've spelled everything correctly. If all of the information is accurate, sign your full name inside Box 9 along the line. Then write today's date in the box directly below using the MM/DD/YYYY format.^[6]
- If you don't sign the application, it won't be valid and you will not be able to register.
- If the applicant is unable to sign themselves, put the name, address, and telephone number of the person who helped the applicant sign in Box D below.
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Fill out Sections A, B, or C if they apply to you. If you're changing your name, fill out what your name was before you changed it in Section A. Use Section B to write down if you've registered somewhere and this is the first time you're registering from your new address. If you don't have an address of a house number, use Section C to draw a map showing the cross streets and notable landmarks near your home.
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(Optional) Include a copy of identification with your application. If you are registering to vote for the first time and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a copy of your ID when you mail in your voter registration form. If you'd like to provide a copy of your ID along with the form, make a photocopy of your current and valid ID card and of other documentation that shows your name and address, like a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paystub, or government document.^[7]
- Only submit copies of documents with your application since they will not be returned to you.
- If you are a first-time voter or live in a state that requires you to show an ID order to vote, you may need to bring additional identification to vote, even if you submit photocopies that meet federal requirements with your application. Check your state's Voter ID requirements at https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/.
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Send the application to your state's election office before the listed deadline. Search for your state in the instructions that follow the application to double-check the deadline and find the mailing address for your state. Put your application in an envelope, write the proper mailing address, and add a stamp for the postage charge. Be sure to put your application in the mail before the deadline listed for your state.^[8]
- Some states have "postmarked by" deadlines, while others have "received by" deadlines for mail-in registration applications. Make sure you know the right deadlines for your state and leave yourself extra time in case there are any unexpected delays.
- Typically, the deadline will be between 7–30 days before the scheduled election, but it will vary by state. So, if you want to register before the presidential election on November 3, 2020, you will need to register by October at the latest.
- Your state may send you a voter registration card in the mail to confirm your registration was processed.
- If there is an issue with your voter registration or your information cannot be verified, you may be contacted by your State Election Office for more information.

1
Check your state's eligibility requirements for requesting a mail-in ballot. Every state allows some form of vote by mail, but rules about who can vote by mail are different for each state. ^[9] Check your state's rules to see if you're eligible to request a ballot to vote by mail at https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/.
- A few states send every voter a mail-in ballot, but most require voters to request it. Some states allow anyone to request a ballot with no reasoning or excuse required, but others require voters to have an approved reason or excuse. For example, some states only allow mail-in ballots if you're over 65, have a disability, or are traveling outside of your polling location on Election Day.
- Some states require you to request a mail-in ballot for every election, and others may allow you to be placed on a permanent vote by mail list.
Warning: Many states are changing their voting and election rules in response to COVID-19. Visit https://www.vote.org/covid-19/ to see if your state rules have changed.
2

Check your state's deadline to request a ballot to vote by mail. If you are eligible to vote by mail, check your state's deadline to request a ballot at https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/. Keep in mind that you may be allowed to request your ballot online, by mail, by fax, or in person, and there may be different deadlines for each process.
3
Fill out an application to vote by mail. If you are eligible to vote by mail, find your state's request form on your State Election site or get started at https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/. Complete all of the fields on the application and ensure that you provide accurate information. If your state allows you to submit the application online, follow the instructions to submit. In some states, you will have to print out the application form to sign and date before sending it in.^[10]
- Some states like Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington automatically send a mail-in ballot to all voters. If you live in one of these states, you do not have to request a ballot in order to vote by mail. You can confirm your state's rules at https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/^[11]
4
Mail the application to your local election office if your state doesn't allow online submission. Look at the website for the Secretary of State or your county's elections offices so you know where to mail the application. Put the application in an envelope and provide the correct postage. Send the application before the deadline to ensure you get your ballot by mail.
- Mail-in applications are usually due at least 7 days before the election date, but it may be different depending on where you live. For example, if you want to vote in the presidential election on November 3, 2020, in most states, you will have to mail in your application by October 27, 2020. Check your state's deadline at https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/.
- If you don't send the application before the deadline, you will not receive your ballot by mail for the upcoming election.
- If your state doesn't have an official application, you can use the form generated here to request your ballot: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/.
5

Apply in person if you are unable to apply online or by mail. Some states may also allow you to request your ballot in person. Check your state's rules at https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/ to find out if and where you can do so. Also be sure to check the deadline for in-person requests at https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines.^[12]
6

Fill out and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Your state may allow you to return your ballot by mail or in person. Check the deadline at https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines and make sure it is postmarked or hand-delivered in advance of the deadline.

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Try to register as early as you can to ensure you're eligible to vote on Election Day.

Check with your state's voting laws and regulations since some areas may not allow you to register or vote by mail.^[13]
You cannot register to vote in multiple locations since it's illegal.^[14]

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Article Summary X

To register to vote by mail in the United States, you'll need to meet a set of basic eligibility requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen, and at least 18 years old by election day. If you are under the age of 18, you may be able to pre-register to vote if allowed by your state's laws. If you are a first-time voter, you will need to provide proof of identity when registering such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You may also need to provide additional proof of residence such as a current utility bill or bank statement. Also, note that there may be additional eligibility requirements for your state. For example, some states may not allow those with former felony convictions to vote. You can learn more about your state's requirements by visiting your State Election Office website. When you're ready to register, you can do so by filling out a National Mail Voter Registration Form or via your state's voter registration form. To print the National Mail Voter Registration Form, visit the US Election Assistance Commission website at eac.gov. Mail the completed form to the provided address for your state before your state's voter registration deadline. You should receive the confirmation of your registration in the mail in 2 to 4 weeks. If you're registering for the first time in your state, you will need to attach a copy of your proof of identification, like your US driver's license or a US passport. You may also need to provide proof of residence with documentation such as a current utility bill. Note that residents of Wyoming and U.S. territories are not currently able to use the National Mail Voter Registration Form. If you live in one of these places, you can only register by mail using a state registration form. You can pick up a state registration form at many government offices, such as the Post Office, your local DMV, or a public library, and possibly online at your State Election Office Website.

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