US Elections 2020: how do I register to vote?

It’s less than 6 weeks Election Day on Tuesday, 3 November 2020, where Republican Donald Trump is campaigning for a second term as president against opponent and Democrat Joe Biden.

If you haven’t registered to vote yet, time is running out, but it’s quick and simple.

Each state makes its own voting and election rules, including when and how to register. Vote.gov gives full detailed information state by state, explaining exactly what steps you need to follow.

Fastest way to register to vote:

The quickest and easiest way to register is online. This service is available in 40 states and you can find direct links to the registration site for all 40 states in this table.

What if I can’t register online?

Then you need to download the National Voter Registration Form. It’s available here in 15 languages with an easy to follow guide about how to fill it out.

You can fill it out on screen and print the completed form, or print the blank form and fill it out by hand. Remember to sign the form before mailing it to the location listed for your state.

You’ll also find the address to send the completed form for each state clearly marked.

Voting in person:

You can also register in person with your state or local election office.

You may also be able to register at one of these nearby public facilities. Check with the actual location first: the department of motor vehicles, armed forces recruitment centers, and state and county public assistance offices such as SNAP/food stamps and WIC.

If registering in person, take precautions to protect yourself and others from spreading Covid-19.

What if I’m a US citizen but don’t live in the US?

You can find all the necessary information on absentee voting here.

Again, it depends which state you are voting in, but here you can find a comprehensive list of deadlines by state.

Get registered now: the first deadlines are 30 days before election day, on 4 October.

Voting for the first time?

Here’s a handy guide from the US government on what you should do.

Still confused?

Talk to someone at the US government for help, either by telephone or via an online chat service.