A Young Person’s Guide Voting in the United States
When am I able to vote?
U.S. citizens are able to vote at 18. However, in every state, there is an option for registering to vote before your 18th birthday.
Do I need to register to vote?
YES! In every state except for North Dakota, you must be registered to vote in any election. In fifteen states, however you can register on election day, meaning you do not have to preregister. For the other thirty-five states, however, you must register before the deadline to vote.
Do I need to register every year I vote?
Usually no. In most states, once you are registered, you remain registered to vote in that state until you pass away or move to a different state. If you move states, you must register to vote in that new state.
However, Ohio has recently taken aggressive measures to remove voters from their voter rolls, meaning that if you are registered in Ohio, check to make sure you are still registered!
What’s the deadline for voter registration?
The deadline for registration varies state by state. Find your state’s registration deadline here.
How do I register to vote?
Again, this varies from state-to-state. In 37 states and in Washington D.C., voter registration can be done online. Other states require you to mail in a form or go to a physical location, like a post office or the RMV. Find out how you can register to vote in your state here.
Do I only need to vote every four years?
NO! Presidential elections happen every four years, but congressional elections happen every two years, and those elections are just as important as the presidential elections. Furthermore, local elections happen every year, and, again, those elections are very important, because their outcome will affect you the most directly.
How do I find out more about local political races?
Ballotpedia is a great resource that has pages on every upcoming election and the candidates. You can also look at local media to find out more about political issues at the local level!
What if I won’t be at home at the time of election?
If you won’t be in the state you are registered in at the time of the election, you can vote early or by absentee ballot. Every state has either an early voting or absentee option. Review how the laws work in your state here.
I want to vote but I can’t make it to the polling place!
Carpool vote is a website that connects people driving to the polls on election day with those who needs rides. Furthermore, the Twin Cities, Dallas, Houston, and Tampa, all provide free public transportation on election days.
Will I need my ID when I vote?
It depends on what state you live in! Some states require photo ID’s, some require non-photo ID’s, and some don’t require ID’s at all. Find out what your state requires, here.
Does my vote really matter?
Yes! Although it can sometimes seem like an individual’s vote doesn’t matter, recent cases like that in Virginia where a Democrat and Republican were exactly tied in their race for the state house, show that yes, one vote CAN make a difference!
