National Voter Registration Day 2024: What documents do you need to register to vote?
The 2024 general election is just weeks away and if you want to cast a ballot, you need to register to vote. Here’s what you’ll need to do so.
September 17 is National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday which is dedicated to celebrating and growing our shared democracy. First started in 2012, a team of “dedicated Partners of every stripe from all over the country” have worked to get more than 5 million people registered to vote.
If you haven’t registered to vote yet, time is running out with the 2024 general election just a matter of weeks away. Fortunately, it’s quick and simple to become eligible to vote and make your voice heard this November.
Here’s a look at what documents you need and where you can submit them.
National Voter Registration Day 2024: What documents do you need to register to vote?
Typically, you must have a driver’s license or some form of state ID in order to register to vote. In some cases, if you do not have either of these, you may be able to provide other forms of documentation like a bank statement or utility bill. But because each state establishes their own requirements it is best to check with your state’s election office about which documentation is accepted.
Keep in mind that federal law dictates that only U.S. citizen’s can vote in US elections, and you must also be 18 years old on or before Election Day. However, you may preregisiter to vote before you turn 18, but how long before your 18th birthday depends again on each state..
For more information on a state-by-state basis you can check Vote.gov, which explains exactly what steps you need to follow.
The quickest and easiest way to register is online. This service is available in 42 states and Washington, D.C. You can find direct links to the registration site for them in this table.
States that do not currently have online registration include Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. North Dakota does not require voter registration.
With this link you can find a comprehensive list of registration deadlines by state.
What if I can’t register online?
Then you need to download the National Voter Registration Form. It’s available here in 21 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.
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.