How to Register to Vote

Am I qualified to write about this? I registered to vote through the mail and my mom guided me through how to do it. And now I don’t even live in the state that I registered in. But now that I’m older and wiser (a whole three years older), I’m confident in my ability to help you register to vote.

Step One

Make sure you’re qualified to vote. Are you 18 or older? Are you a citizen of the United States? If the answer is no to at least one of those questions, you will have to wait until you’re 18 or a citizen. Don’t fret, democracy will hopefully still be around when you qualify.

Step Two

Chose how you’re going to register. There are 37 states including the District of Columbia that allow you to register online. You can also print a form out and fill it in then send it in. The last option you have is to fill out the forms in person. It’s your choice, but I recommend registering online so that it’s quick and easy and you don’t have to leave home. Go to your states DMV website and check out your options. I did the mail-in form option.

Online: Go to your states DMV website, and find the voting page or search register to vote. The websites are pretty helpful in guiding you through the process. There will be a button or link to click to register to vote online. You’ll want to click this and follow each step. Make sure to have some legal form of ID and your social security number on you.

Mail: Go to usa.gov and search ‘register to vote.’ I included the link to make it easier for you to be able to click and go. You will see a more detailed section on registering to vote, with three bulleted list points. The second list point has a link in the sentence, click on that link to open the National Mail Voter Registration Form page. The website gives you 10 language options to chose from. Print out the form in your language and fill it out completely according to their directions. Make sure to sign it before mailing it in.

In-Person: To register to vote in person, you can either go to your DMV, Armed Service recruiting centers, or state and county public assistance offices. There you will find the same form as mentioned above, the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Fill it out completely and hand it into whatever official you speak to!

Step Three

Feel proud of yourself! Registering to vote can be a lengthy process and when you do register, it’s a great feeling. Not only this but registering to vote is just one step in the right direction to getting out there and voting. Voting is extremely important and is your right as a citizen.

So get out there and register! Comment below if you have already registered or plan on registering soon (hint-you totally should!).