How To Change Your Voter Registration When You Move to a New State

When you move to a new state, you must update your voter registration. Registering to vote will make sure you can have your vote count. Your vote can influence policies and programs where you live and work. 

Each state has a different voter registration process and registration deadlines. Ensure you understand the requirements of your new address’s local board of election. For more information about your voter registration status where you live, talk to a local voting civil rights attorney. 

When Do You Need to Change Voter Registration?

You must update your voter registration whenever you move to a new address. Your voter registration address can determine the voting process, where you vote in person, and whether you can vote in a general election by mail. Depending on local election laws, you can change your address: 

• Online voter registration
• By mail
• By phone
• In-person 

In some areas, voters can register in person through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), armed forces recruitment center, or public assistance office. 

Some states require you to select your political party affiliation to vote in primary elections. If you are changing your party affiliation, you may need to update your voter registration form to vote in upcoming elections for primary candidates. 

Generally, once you send in your new registration, you won’t have to re-register until you move, change your party, or change your name. You can find more information on how to change your voter registration at vote.gov.

Are There Deadlines For Changing Voter Registration?

Each state has voter registration deadlines. The deadlines may depend on whether you register to vote online or send in your mail voter registration. 

For example, if you move to New York City, you must register online ten days before Election Day. If you mail in your voter registration, the change of address must be postmarked 15 days before and received ten days before Election Day.

The registration deadlines vary widely, with some states requiring registration long before the election date. For example, you can register in person in Colorado as late as Election Day. In states like Ohio, you must register in person at least 30 days before Election Day.

What Do You Need for Your Voter Registration Application?

To be able to vote in a new state, you have to be a citizen of the United States. You must also be a resident of the new state at least 18 years of age or older on the election date. 

Generally, you have to provide your ID number when registering to vote. This can be your driver’s license or identification card. If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID, you can generally use your Social Security Number. You also need to sign your voter registration application. 

How Can You Vote by Mail?

Voting by mail and absentee voting makes voting easier because you don’t have to vote in person. You can send in your ballot by mail on or before Election Day.

However, not all states allow voting by mail. Other states limit absentee voting to senior voters or voters with permanent disabilities. Check with your state election office to see if you can vote by mail or sign up for an absentee ballot. 

Can You Vote If You Move Out of the Country?

You can still vote if you move to another country. U.S. citizens can vote while they are overseas. This includes military service members and people working overseas. Citizens outside of the U.S. can request a ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). 

Voters still need a voting residence to vote while living overseas. Generally, your voting residence is the address where you were last domiciled before leaving the country. For example, if you lived in California before moving out of the country, your local election office is based on your last address.

What Can You Do If Your Voter Registration Is Denied?

Election officials can deny your voter registration application if there are errors on the form. If your voter registration gets rejected, contact your local election officials. Find out why they denied your registration and how you can fix the problem. If you have other questions about registering to vote after you move to a new state, talk to a local civil rights attorney.