Which Super Tuesday states have same day voter registration?

Super Tuesday, taking place 5 March this year, is one of the most important dates on the primary calendar. Elections in sixteen states and one US territory will decide how many delegates each presidential candidate will get for their respective party’s nominating process.

It looks likely that the two frontrunners will solidify their positions. Incumbent President Joe Biden is basically unopposed in the Democratic primary. Nikki Haley will have to win a majority of the GOP primaries if she is going to have a viable path to beating former President Donald Trump.

In order to cast a ballot in the primaries voters must meet some basic requirements. One of those is being registered to vote. Those that haven’t yet might be able to make their voice heard in nearly half of the Super Tuesday states using their state’s same-day registration. Here’s a look.

You may also be interested in: 2024 Primary Calendar: Elections and voter registration deadlines

Which Super Tuesday states have same day voter registration?

Eight of the states holding elections on Super Tuesday allow same-day voter registration, but one of those only during the early voting period. Another that normally doesn’t, Alaska, CBS reports the Republican Party in the state said that it will allow same-day registration for its caucus on Super Tuesday, Dems vote on 6 April.

There are 22 states in total and the District of Columbia that allow same-day registration. This allows any qualified resident in that state to register to be on the voter roll and cast a ballot at the same time.

However, of those states only twenty of them and the District of Columbia allow same-day registration up to Election Day. For example, in the case of North Carolina, which will hold its primary on Super Tuesday, same-day voter registration is only applicable during the early voting period which ended 2 March.

Nevertheless, voters in that state and any other that doesn’t have same-day registration can get their paperwork in now to be ready for Tuesday 5 November to vote in the 2024 general election.

The general rules in order to be able to register and vote in federal elections are as follows, you are a US citizen, a qualified resident where you will cast your ballot and that you are 18 years old when you cast your ballot. On this last point, nearly every state allows residents to pre-register if they will meet the age requirement by Election Day.

Some states have other restrictions as rules can vary from state to state. For example, people that have been convicted of a felony or are currently serving time for other types of crimes may not be eligible to register and/or vote. Likewise, “some people with mental disability may not be able to vote,” explains USA.gov. If you are unsure about your eligibility it is recommended to check your state’s rules before attempting to register.