Learn How to Register to Vote Before Your State’s Deadline

It’s almost time to vote! The General Election takes place on November 5, 2024. If you will be 18 years old or older on or before Election Day, you can cast your vote for president and vice president, congressional representatives, state and local officials, and perhaps special issues in your community. Before you vote for the first time, however, you need to register. For the November 5, 2024, General Election, many state deadlines for registration are the first week of October, so if you will be 18 years old or older on Election Day, the time to register is now! 

What Is Voter Registration? 

In every state except North Dakota, you first need to register, or enroll with your local government, before being eligible to vote. State boards of elections require you to register to prevent voter fraud. States want to be sure that voters are who they say they are and that they have met the eligibility requirements. Once you register, you are placed on a list of people who can legally vote. You are then able to vote in national, state, and local elections.  

How Do You Register to Vote? 

Each state has its own registration process and requirements. Generally, you can complete a registration form in one of three ways: online (for most states), by mail, or in person.  

• To register online, go to https://vote.gov/register and then select your state or territory for further information. Or go to your state’s Secretary of State website. (Online registration is not available in Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, or Wyoming.) 

• To register by mail, download and print a copy of your state’s registration form from the same website as above. You can also pick up a registration form at your local library, post office, or motor vehicle office. Fill it out and mail it to the election office address provided on the form.  

• Register in person at your state or local election office or your state motor vehicle office.  

No matter which way you register, you will need to provide some form of identification. Most states require a driver’s license or valid photo ID card. In some states, you may also be asked to provide proof of residence. This could be a paycheck that shows your name and address, for example. 

After your registration application is reviewed and approved, you will receive polling information. You will be informed about the location of your precinct (local voting place); the dates, times, and locations for early voting; and the date and time to vote on Election Day. 

Be Aware of Your State’s Registration Deadline 

Register now! If you are registering by mail or online, most states require you to do so at least several weeks to a month or more before an election. If you miss the registration deadline, only twenty-one states offer Election Day Registration (as of September 2024). This allows you to both register and vote on Election Day—if voting in person.  

Find your state’s deadline on your Secretary of State’s website. For the November 5, 2024, General Election, many state voter registration deadlines are the first week of October. Don’t miss your chance to exercise your right to vote because you missed the deadline to register. 

Vote in Every Election 

If you vote in every federal election (which occurs every two years), your registration will stay up-to-date, and you will not need to re-register again to vote. But if you fail to vote in at least two federal elections, many state boards of election will remove your name—and your voting eligibility—from voter rolls.  You can re-register, however. Check your voter eligibility a month or two before each election to be sure your registration is still valid. To do so, key in “voter registration eligibility [state name]” or go to your state’s Secretary of State website to check your voter registration status.  

Dig Deeper Go to https://vote.gov/register and then select your state or territory to find out your registration deadline and requirements.