Registering to Vote

Voting is a right and a privilege. It is something every citizen should do because it is the ultimate way to let your voice be heard. Voting is your personal way of letting politicians and the government know what issues and ideas are important to you. By voting, you get to influence an election and election results.
However, if you want to vote, you first have to register. Understanding how to register to vote is something each citizen should know once they reach the legal voting age of 18. If you have never before registered, fear not! The best part about registering to vote is that it is free and very simple.

While some states allow you to register to vote by mail, others require that you register in person. Along with the DMV, you can also register to vote:

  • at your local election offices
  • at city hall
  • at most educational institutions (i.e. high schools, universities and trade schools)
  • at the post office
  • online.

IDs and Registering to Vote

Before you can register, be sure to gather the proper documents to prove you are a resident and a US citizen. You will have to have two forms of identification (ID) in order to register. Along with needing a picture ID, such as a driver's license for the state you plan to register in, you will also need one of the following that shows your name and current address:
  • bank statement
  • government check
  • paycheck
  • utility bill.

Other government documents that show your name and current address are also acceptable.

The next step is to make copies of your ID and proof of residency (if you plan on mailing in your registration form). If you go in person to register, you simply have to bring these documents for verification. Next, fill out the voter registration form, which can be downloaded online or found a registration location. Because most states require that you register to vote at least 30 days the election you wish to vote in, don’t leave it to the last minute.

Who is Eligible to Vote?

The Federal Election Commission determines the necessary qualifications for eligible voters. Most adults living in the United States are eligible to vote. Here are the requirements for being able to vote. You must be:
  • a citizen of the United States
  • a resident of the state in which you are registering (If you are a student, you need to get information on absentee voting.)
  • at least 18 years of age (Most states require that you are 18 years old for at least 30 days prior to an election.)
  • not in prison or on parole for a felony
  • not mentally incompetent as judged by a court of law.
Keep in mind that you can only be registered to vote in one place at a time. If you move, or change your name, you need to re-register to vote.

Steps to Voting

Voting procedures follow four simple steps:
  1. Register to vote.
  2. Find out where to vote. Most cities print your polling place information in the newspaper prior to Election Day so that you know where to go to vote. Similarly, some counties send you voter’s information with your voting location printed on the back of the pamphlet.
  3. Get educated about the issues, the candidates, etc. An educated voter is a good voter.
  4. Put Election Day on your calendar or in your day planner so you don't forget to vote.
Voting is something that we often take for granted in this country. However, if you feel passionate about the issues and want to influence the election results, do your part by registering and voting in the next elections.
 
Resources
 
Declareyourself.com. (2007). Register To Vote. Retrieved July 22, 2007 from the Declareyourself.com Web site: http://www.declareyourself.com/?gclid=
CKLa4eWotI0CFSAmYQodvHd_tQ.
 
Register-vote.com. (2007).Register to Vote. Retrieved July 22, 2007 from the Register-vote.com Web site: http://www.register-vote.com/.