Voting FAQ

 

How will I know when I am actually registered to vote?

You should receive a voter registration card confirming your registration in the mail anywhere from three to seven weeks from when you register. This card will contain the location of your polling place, information concerning the type of ID you may need to bring to the polls, plus your party affiliation if you chose one.

If you do not receive anything in the mail, please check with your state election office. Links and contact information for state election offices can be found by clicking HERE.


How do I know if I’m already registered to vote from voting in a previous election?

To confirm, call your local county or city elections office or just re-register!

How do I contact my local elections office?

The phone number is listed in the blue pages of the phonebook. Or, you can go HEREto find contact information for with your state’s local elections office.


Why might I need to RE-register?

You need to reregister if you’ve moved or changed your last name (through marriage, etc.) since the last election. You DO NOT need to reregister if you are registered but didn’t vote in the last election, even recently.


When is the cut-off date to register?

Many states have a deadline 30 days prior to the election. Check to see the date of your state’s registration deadline HERE.


How do I request an absentee ballot?

Go here and click on your state to find the instructions to obtain and absentee ballot application.


I moved and my driver’s license has a different address. Can I register at my new address?

Yes. A person may register at his or her current address even if his or driver's license displays a different address. BUT, they may have difficulty voting if they do not have valid ID with their current address that meets the requirements of their local jurisdiction. Most states permit a utility bill or bank statement. But some have more stringent requirements. Therefore, if your current address does not your  driver’s license, they should do one of three things:

  • Register at your current address and get a new driver’s license
  • Register at yourold address and vote by absentee ballot.
  • Register at your new address and check the ID and proof of residency requirements with your state election office or local registrar. Contact information can be found on the website of your state election board, or on the voter card that will come in the mail in 5-7 weeks.


Can I register 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, it is important to have some sort of proof of address and residency that can be presented at your polling place. Because laws vary from state to state, the best thing to do is check with your school itself, or the state election office and ask what sort of proof of residency is required for student voting.


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 register again 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.


How do I know if I should vote at school or at home?

You have a choice! If you are not sure where to vote, you might want to think about where the race is closer and your vote might make more of a difference. Keep in mind that wherever you are registered to vote is considered your LEGAL RESIDENCE. If you decide to vote from school, register at your school address (a dorm IS considered to be a legal residence). If you decide to vote from home, register at your home address. However, YOU will need to request an ABSENTEE BALLOT from your home state.


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

YES, but states have different ID and proof-of-residency requirements so you could have trouble at the polls. The best thing to do is check with your state election board before you vote. And the safest thing is to always bring multiple forms of ID and proof of residency. As I said, rules vary by state and even by country, but the safest thing to do is bring a photo ID AND a bill or pay stub that proves where you live.


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

YES, but states have different ID and proof-of-residency requirements so you could have trouble at the polls. The best thing to do is check with your state election board before you vote. And the safest thing is to always bring multiple forms of ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or pay stub).


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 in the jurisdiction of your domicile; in other words, in the place where you intend to return and consider your permanent residence. 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 reside (vehicle registration, driver’s license, property ownership, family, etc)


How will I know where to vote?

You should receive a card confirming your registration and that will have the address of your polling place, open from 7am-8pm in most places. You can also contact your local elections office.


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

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.


I'm not 18, but will be by election date. Can I register?

In many states you are entitled to register to vote if you will be 18 by the day of the upcoming general election. The best practice is to check with your state’s election office to be sure.


Do I need to join a party?

No. But in most states you will not be able to vote in the primary unless you register with a party. In addition, some states require you specifically write “No party” so there is no confusion. You should not leave that space on a voter registration form blank, and you should also not write “Independent,” as some states have parties with similar names and you may accidentally join that party.


What should I bring with me to the polls?

Laws vary from state to state. Generally a photo ID that displays your current address(such as an driver’s license or student Id), if you have one, or another document with that also provides your current address information, such as a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub.   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 HERE.


Can I register on Election Day?

Only if you live in ID, MN, ME, NH, WI or WY -- and don’t forget to bring ID and proof of residency (e.g., a utility bill: phone/electric/cable, etc.). However, we encourage you to register now!


I am a former felon. Can I vote?

The impact of a criminal conviction on the right to vote varies widely from state to state. Whether you can vote after being convicted of a crime is determined by the state in which you live, not the state in which you were convicted.

  • Prisoners are permitted to vote in ME and VT.
  • Voting rights are automatically restored after release from prison: HI, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MT, NH, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT.
  • Rights restored after release from prison and completion of parole (probationers may vote): CA, CO, CT, NY.
  • Rights restored after completion of sentence, including parole and probation: AK, AR, GA, KS, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TX, WV, WI.
  • Voting rights restored after completion of sentence for first felony but permanently disenfranchised for at least some second felonies: AZ, MD.
  • Voting restored after completion of sentence, except those convicted before a certain date who are permanently disenfranchised: TN (pre-1986 disenfranchised), WA (pre-1984 disenfranchised).
  • All convicted of felonies PERMANENTLY disenfranchised (unless granted a pardon through a hearing): FL, IA, KY, MS, VA.

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