Voting FAQ

What do I need to register and vote?

To register, you need (1) an address from which you plan to vote, and (2) an ID number – either a current and valid driver’s license or your social security number, if you don’t have the former. If you have neither a current driver’s license nor a social security number (not that you can’t remember them), you can still register by indicating on the registration form that you have neither one.
To vote, you need two things: 1) identification, and 2) proof of residency. A driver’s license with your voting address will satisfy both requirements. If your driver’s license does not reflect your current voting address, it may still satisfy the ID requirement in many states. You would need another document – such as a government-issued ID, utility bill, paycheck, or bank statement – with your name and voting address, to prove your residency. If you have no driver’s license, many states require some alternative form of photo ID, such as a passport, state issued ID card. Student photo IDs are allowed in only a few states. Go to www.HeadCount.org to find links to the specific requirements for each state.

I don’t live at the address on my driver’s license. Can I register at my new address?

YES. You may register at your current address regardless what address is on your driver's license. BUT, you will not be able to vote if you do not bring a document with your current address to the polls that meets the requirements of the state of your residence. Most states permit another government ID, paycheck, utility bill or bank statement, but some have more stringent requirements. Therefore if your current address does not match your driver’s license, you should do one of three things:
• Register at your new address and check the ID and proof of residency requirements with your Secretary of State’s office. Contact information can be found at www.HeadCount.org.
• Register at your home/parents’ address and vote by absentee ballot.
• Register at your current address and get a new driver’s license.

I have moved. Do I need to re-register?

YES. You must re-register every time you change your permanent address.

Can I register to vote at my student address?

YES. But you should provide your official campus mailing address as well as the actual physical address of your residence. You are allowed to register to vote at your school address (including on campus addresses). However, you must have some sort of proof of address and residency that can be presented at your polling place.

I’m going to school in the fall and I don’t know what my address will be. What should I do?

The best thing is to register now at your permanent address. Then you can apply for an absentee ballot or change your voter registration address at school when you do know your address.

I move around a lot and I’m really not sure where I’ll be during the election.

The best thing to do is to register wherever you have a permanent mailing address. Vote in that district and bring some proof of address to the polls or apply for an absentee ballot if you will be away during the election.

If I’m changing my address, do I need to note that on the form?

YES, in most cases. On a state form, look for the appropriate check box and/or fill out the section which asks for your previously registered voting address. On the federal, multi-state form, fill out the portion on the bottom half relating to your address change.

I can't remember if I've ever registered to vote before or where I’ve registered to vote. Do I need to fill out a voter registration form?

YES. If you are unsure if you are registered, you should register to vote.

I registered to vote - I think it was a few months ago - but I never got a voter registration card in the mail. Should I fill out a new form?

If you’re pretty sure that you are registered correctly, just check with your local registrar – as not all states send out voter registration cards. But if you are unsure, you can always re-register here today.

I have an out-of-state driver’s license, but I live in this state and want to register here. Should I use my out-of-state license ID number or the last four digits of my social?

You should never use a driver's license number that is not from the state where you intend to register to vote. If your driver's license is out-of-state, then give the last 4 digits of your SSN (except in HI, KY, NM, SC, TN, and VA, where you need to provide your full SSN).

Can I vote before Election Day?

Twenty-nine states allow no-excuse absentee voting by mail (which you can complete before Election Day). A number of states offer in-person early voting in addition to or instead of no-excuse absentee voting. You should check your state election office website or www.HeadCount.org whether your state offers either or both of these options.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

Go to the HeadCount Election Center to request an absentee ballot.

What should I bring with me to the polls?

Laws vary from state to state. In some states you will need to show a photo ID that shows your address and/or your signature (such as a driver’s license). In these states a student photo ID may suffice. However, in many states it will not. Check the state website found at www.HeadCount.org.

If your photo ID does not have a current address on it then you will also need to bring along a document that shows your current address information, such as a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub. In states where you do not need photo ID, then you will still need to bring along a document showing your current address.

If you have any questions, you can check with your state’s election officials – the Secretary of State or State Board of Elections in almost every state has a webpage that will provide this information. Also links to all state election websites can be found at the HeadCount Election Center.

If I've moved from another state, is this considered a "change of address" or a "new registration", or on some states' forms a "new voter"?

It is a change of address and new registration (check both boxes). You should fill out the section that asks for your previous registered voting address with as much detail as you can remember. If you register to vote in a new state you will be considered a first time voter and will be required to provide ID at the polls – this might be a photo ID or simply a document verifying your new address (such as a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub).

Can I complete a voter registration form if I don’t have an in-state driver’s license (or state issued ID card) and I can't remember the last 4 digits of my social security number?

You should wait to register to vote until you have this information. Then you can go to HeadCount.org and register to vote online or come find our booth at a concert or festival this summer.

I just got married and changed my last name. Should I re-register?

YES. You should register a “change of name” form (this is a part of the voter registration form in most states and on the national form). For Election Day you should bring along your ID with your new name and address, or your old name and address and a copy of your marriage certificate/change of name form.

I’m not 18, but will be by Election Day. Can I register?

IN MOST STATES, YES. In all but a few states you are entitled to register to vote if you will be 18 by the upcoming Election Day. In the following states you can only register at age 17 if your 18th birthday is within a certain number of days/moths: AK - 90 days; GA – 6 months; IA – 6 months; MO – 6 months; TX – 2 months. If you qualify under these rules, we suggest you register now.

Can I register to vote if I don't have a driver's license?

YES. While all states require a driver's license identification number on the voter registration form, if you don’t have a driver’s license and have not been issued a non-driver state ID card, states will accept the last four digits of your social security number (except in HI, KY, NM, SC, TN, and VA, where you should give your full SSN).

When is the deadline to register to vote?

Generally 30 days prior to any election. However this varies by state and may also vary depending on whether you mail in your application or deliver it in person. To find specific information regarding your state's registration deadlines, visit your state's election website or the HeadCount Election Center.

Will I get called to Jury Duty if I register to vote?

Possibly, but you might get called even if you are not registered. Motor vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and utility records are all used for the purpose of calling citizens in for jury duty, in addition to voter registration lists.

Why do you need my social security number? I don't want to give that out.

SSN is only required in most states if you do not have a current in-state driver’s license or state-issued ID. And then you only need to put the last 4 digits of the SSN. In HI, KY, NM, SC, TN and VA, you should provide your full social security number.

Social security numbers are used by the state to verify your identity. We never record or retain your driver’s license or social security number or distribute it to anyone.

Do I need to pick a party when I register to vote?

NO. However, some states require that you be enrolled with a party to vote in that party’s primary election. If you do not choose a party, enter “No party” on your voter registration form. To find out more information regarding your state's political parties, visit your state election office website.

Do I write "White" or "Caucasian" on the form?

Caucasian is the preferred term.

Why do they ask for my phone number? Can it be my cell number?

Phone numbers are used to contact a registrant if there is a problem with information on their registration form and can also be used for Get Out the Vote efforts. A cell phone number is acceptable.

Can I check to see if I’m registered to vote?

YES. Call your local election office to verify that you are registered. Links to all state election websites can be found at the HeadCount Election Center.

How long does it take to process my registration?

It can take several weeks. Most states send out voter registration cards within 5 to 7 weeks after receiving the registration. If you do not, contact your state election office to check if you are registered. In any event you should check your registration at least a week prior to the voter registration deadline in your state, in case you need to fill out a new registration form or correct your form.

How do I vote, if I will be away from home on Election Day?

You can generally vote by absentee ballot if you will be away from home on Election Day. Many states also offer in person early voting in the days or weeks leading up to the election. Visit the HeadCount Election Center for more information on absentee and early voting.

How do I know where to vote?

Find your polling place by visiting the website of your state election office or calling your state election office. Links to all state election websites can be found at the HeadCount Election Center You should receive a voter information card/certificate in the mail that will direct you to your polling place. Polling places can be moved, however, so it is important to check where to vote before Election Day.

Can I register if I have US citizenship, but am living abroad and don't have my own permanent address in the USA?

YES. In this case you must register at the last address you had before you left the USA, or at the address to which you will return. If the latter, you may not simply pick the place you would like to return to in an ideal world; there must be some indication of a present intent to return and live there (e.g. vehicle registration, driver’s license, property ownership, family, etc).

I know that I've registered to vote before, and I know that I registered to vote in the same state where I live, but I can't remember where I lived, when I registered to vote, or what that address was. Should I register as a "new registration"/"new voter" or should I register as a "change of address" and leave the previous address section blank?

Indicate that it is a change of address, and provide as much information about the old address as you can remember (such as city and zip code if possible). If you cannot remember any information, fill in “can’t remember” in the address box if it asks for one.

If the handwriting is a little messy but easily correctable by drawing a line or writing over a letter to make that letter a little cleaner, can the HeadCount volunteer do that?

The best thing to do is always hand the form back to someone to complete. Once they walk away, you cannot alter the form. If a HeadCount volunteer helps someone complete the form, they will need to list their name, and address and sign a statement indicating that they provided assistance with the completion of the form.

The registration form asks for information that I’m uncertain about - such as "do you live in a city, a town, or a village?" or "what county do you live in"? Should I take my best guess, or leave that answer blank?

You should make every effort to characterize to the best of your ability where you live. The problem with leaving portions of a form blank is that there are different rules in different states regarding what is a complete form and how to treat incomplete forms. You also have to attest to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information you’ve provided. If you have an idea, but are unsure, write “to the best of my knowledge I reside in….”