How to register to vote
Voting is the foundational act of self-government. Before you can do it, you have to register. The process is simpler than most people expect, but it varies enough by state that knowing the specifics for where you live matters.
Who is eligible
To vote in federal elections, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and registered in the state where you live. Most states also require you to have lived at your current address for a minimum period — often 30 days — before the election. Some states have additional requirements; a handful restore voting rights to people after certain criminal convictions, while others do not. Check your state's specific rules.
How to register
All 50 states accept voter registration online through their official state election websites. You can also register by mail using a National Voter Registration Form, available from the federal Election Assistance Commission. Many states allow same-day or Election Day registration. When you renew your driver's license or state ID, you are typically offered the opportunity to register or update your registration — this is required by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Deadlines
Registration deadlines are set by each state and typically fall 15 to 30 days before an election. Fifteen states and Washington, D.C. allow registration on Election Day itself. Missing the deadline for a primary does not disqualify you from the general election — you can register between them. If you have recently moved, update your registration at your new address before the deadline, even if you are already registered elsewhere.
Checking your registration
You can verify your registration status at vote.gov, which links to every state's official voter registration portal. Check your registration before every election, especially if you have moved, changed your name, or not voted recently. Some states purge inactive voters from the rolls. Confirmation takes thirty seconds and ensures that when Election Day comes, you are ready.