Registering to Vote
Registering to vote is an incredibly important process in creating a country/city that is looking to embrace democracy. Without the ability to register to vote, our voices cannot be heard. Understanding how to register is the first step to understanding our political rights.
Who Can Register?
To register to vote, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18+ years old on or before election day
- Live in the state and county at least 30 days prior to the election
- Not be serving a prison sentence (including probation)
- Not be declared legally mentally incapacitated by a court
How to Register
Once you have reviewed the criteria and know that you can register to vote, you must complete the following steps to officially register:
- Get a Voter Registration Form. These can be found at post offices, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices, libraries, state election offices and downloaded online.
- Fill Out the Form . Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately.
- Verify Your Identity . Voter Registration Forms require you to provide an identification number, such as a driver’s license number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Submit the Form . Mail or drop off the completed application to your state or local election office.
Wait for Confirmation
Once you’ve submitted your application, your state or local election office will verify the information you provided. If all goes well and the application is approved, you should receive a confirmation and/or voter registration card in the mail within a few weeks.
Conclusion
Completing the voter registration process is an important step to take if you wish to have your voice heard during an election cycle. Understanding the eligibility requirements and completing the registration process helps to ensure that all citizens have the ability to have their voices heard and make their votes count.
