How to register yourself as voter? Step-by-step guide

Tuesday, September 15, marks National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic initiative aimed at helping eligible Americans register, update their information and get “vote ready” ahead of the November 3 general election.

The annual observance day, first introduced in 2012, is described as the country’s largest single-day civic holiday focused on voter registration.

Registration rules and deadlines vary by state; however, here are simple steps to register yourself as a voter.

Step 1: Confirm you are eligible

Before registering, ensure you meet basic requirements. Eligibility criteria are that a voter should be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old by election day. Some states allow 16- or 17-year-olds to pre-register.

Step 2: Find your state’s official registration site

Visit vote.gov and select your territory. The site will automatically direct you to the official registration but you can also register via mail or in person.

Step 3: Gather required information

Information like legal name, date of birth, residential address, mailing address, citizenship confirmation, identification information, and a signature or electronic certification. Applicants can use a valid driver’s license or state ID Card. Some states can also accept other identifiers like the last four digits of your Social Security number, etc.

Step 4: Choose how to register

You can register online (generally the quickest method if possible), through mail with the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person at your state or local election office. Some states allow you to register on Election Day or during early voting, while others may require that you register several weeks before.

Step 5: Select a Party Affiliation, When Appropriate

Many forms will inquire about whether or not you would like to be affiliated with a political party. It may be that you register without being affiliated with any party or that you decline to make a selection. Party affiliation can determine the type of ballot you get during a primary election, but it does not affect the choices in a general election.

Step 6: Confirm Your Registration Status

Filing an application is not necessarily a guarantee that it has been accepted. Check your registration status with your state or local election office. Update your registration if you change your residence, your legal name, or if you change your party affiliation.