Register to Vote in Your Current Precinct

It’s something you always mean to get around to, but in the flurry of tests, papers, parties and football games, finding time to register to vote can be difficult.

Registering to vote doesn’t have to be a complicated and confusing process. Find your category below, read how to register and, as Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world!”

Never been registered

All you have to do is register (see list of sites below)! You need proof of address, but that’s usually as simple as responding to something the Supervisor of Elections mails to you after you register.

Moved to a NEW STATE

Unfortunately, the U.S. doesn’t have a voters database across state lines, so whether you were registered in your home state or not, you’re going to have to register as if you were a new voter. Most states have a deadline for registering, so make sure not to wait too long.

Moved to a NEW CITY in the SAME STATE

Some states have a state-wide voters database, so this depends on where you live. If your state has one, all you have to do is file a change-of-address form—which you may even be able to do the day of elections. If your state doesn’t have a state-wide database, you have to register as if you’ve never voted before.

Moved to a NEW ADDRESS in the SAME CITY

Each county is divided into precincts and what precinct you’re in decides where you go to vote. You are ONLY allowed to vote at the precinct you’re in, so knowing if your new place is in a different precinct is important. In this case, if you’re registered already, all you have to do is fill out a change-of-address form—and make sure you find out where your new voting place is.

Some things to keep in mind

• Changing your permanent address (which is what you do when you register to vote) MIGHT affect such things as insurance and scholarships. Check out yours before changing your permanent address.
• You have the option of an absentee ballot, which allows you to register in your hometown and have a ballot mailed to you and you mail it back, filled out (saves the hassle of changing your permanent address).
• State rules differ, so do some research on the specific rules in your area to make sure you will be able to vote when the time comes around.

Some sites where you can register online (they also have other voting information!):
– Declareyourself.com

– Countmore.org
– Votesmart.org
– Studentvote.org

Here are some sites that discuss election issues:
– Ontheissues.org
– 2decide.com
– Procon.org

Written by: Laura R. Aiuto