How To Vote

Voting Registration Facts

One of the first steps to voting in an upcoming election is making sure that you're registered. While no two states approach voting the same way, there are some basic facts you should know when registering:

Every state excluding North Dakota requires a voter to be registered
Most states require you to vote in a certain place, for example, the assigned polling place for your district
Every state allows absentee voting for those who cannot get to a polling place on voting day
Most states allow you to register online

Meeting Voting Criteria

In order to vote, a person must fit within a certain criteria. To become a registered voter, you must be:

A US citizen
18 years or older on or before election day
Registered before the registration deadline (which varies by state)
Considered a resident by your state's standards
Free of most felony convictions

Where to Register

There are many places to register to vote! These include, but aren't limited to:

Online - Register to vote at vote.gov
On Paper - Visit your state's official website for more information on how to obtain a paper registration form and where to send it once it is complete
Election Offices - Visit your local registration office for assistance in registering
Other State Offices - Some states allow registration at official state offices such as the DMV