How To Verify Voter Registration Status

United States citizens over 18 can vote in federal and local elections. Voting is an essential civil right, but there are requirements to make sure your vote counts. Voter registration falls under state law. Each state has its own requirement for registering to vote. You need to follow your state’s voter registration process to vote in elections where you live.

Verify your voter registration with plenty of time before Election Day. You can re-register or update your voting information if you are not registered. For more information about your voter registration status, talk to a local voting civil rights attorney. 

Am I Registered to Vote?

Each state maintains its own voter registration database. You must visit your state’s election website to verify your voter registration. You can find your local election office from the National Association of Secretaries of State or vote.gov. The state search may require the following:

• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number
• Last four digits of your Social Security number

Check to see if you are registered to vote and that your voter registration information is correct. If not, register or update your voter registration before your state registration deadline.

When Do You Need to Change Voter Registration?

You must update your voter registration information when changing your address, name, or political party. Depending on state laws, you may be able to change your voter information:

• By mail
• Online
• By phone
• In person

Register After You Move

You must change your voter registration if you move to a new address. If you move to a new state, you must register to vote according to the state voting laws. Even if you move across town, you must update your voter registration.

Register After You Change Your Name

Many people change their names after marriage, divorce, or other reasons. If you get a legal name change, update your voter registration.

Register if You Change Your Political Party

Some states list political party affiliation on voter registration forms. Generally, you don’t have to list your party. However, your political party may change how and when you can vote in primary elections. States with closed primaries only allow party-registered voters to vote in primary elections. If you change your political party, you should update your voter registration.

Can I Register by Mail or Online?

Voter registration varies by state. You can register to vote in person or by mail in every state. Many states also provide online registration. However, states like Mississippi and Montana don’t have online registration. Check your state’s registration deadlines and see if you can register to vote online.

Some states also allow you to vote by mail or absentee. In states with vote-by-mail, voters can drop off their ballot in the mail or ballot box. Other states have absentee voting for some voters. Voters can request an absentee ballot.

However, absentee voting depends on the state. Some states offer absentee ballots to anyone, while others limit it to people with disabilities or older adults. Check with your local election office for vote-by-mail options.

What Do You Need on Election Day?

Many states require you to show your identification before you can get a ballot to vote. Voter ID laws vary by state. Some states require a photo ID, while others allow other types of identification, including utility bills with your contact information.

Even without an ID, some states allow you to cast a provisional ballot that will be counted after you verify your identification. Check your state voter ID laws before Election Day.

What Is the Deadline to Register to Vote?

If you find out that you are not on the list of registered voters, you need to register to vote. The deadlines for registering to vote depend on the state. Some states require you to register at least 30 days before Election Day. Other states will let you register as late as Election Day if you register at the polling place in person.

Some states allow you to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day if you missed the voter registration deadline. The state will count your vote after verifying your voter registration. Contact your local election officials if you have questions about the voter registry. If you want more information about your voting rights, talk to a local civil rights attorney.