What you need to know about registering to vote

It seems like we hear it every cycle, “This is the most important election of our lives.” And yet, it always seems to be true, which is why every American should register to vote and make sure their address is up to date so they can make their voices heard in the upcoming presidential election.

So we’ve included everything you need to know and consider when it comes to registering to vote.

Have you moved out of state?

First, you will need to have a license in the state that you intend to vote in. In most states, you can register to vote while obtaining your license. This is the easiest way to do it. In states like Texas, for example, you check a box while filling out your license form and that starts the process.

Are you a new voter?

The two other easiest ways to register to vote are through your local voter registrar or through your state’s secretary of state website. This is also a great resource to view your sample ballot, find your voting location, and view election results. We’ve included links to every state’s Secretary of State website below:

1. Alabama Secretary of State
2. Alaska Secretary of State
3. Arizona Secretary of State
4. Arkansas Secretary of State
5. California Secretary of State
6. Colorado Secretary of State
7. Connecticut Secretary of State
8. Delaware Secretary of State
9. Florida Secretary of State
10. Georgia Secretary of State
11. Hawaii Secretary of State
12. Idaho Secretary of State
13. Illinois Secretary of State
14. Indiana Secretary of State
15. Iowa Secretary of State
16. Kansas Secretary of State
17. Kentucky Secretary of State
18. Louisiana Secretary of State
19. Maine Secretary of State
20. Maryland Secretary of State
21. Massachusetts Secretary of State
22. Michigan Secretary of State
23. Minnesota Secretary of State
24. Mississippi Secretary of State
25. Missouri Secretary of State
26. Montana Secretary of State
27. Nebraska Secretary of State
28. Nevada Secretary of State
29. New Hampshire Secretary of State
30. New Jersey Secretary of State
31. New Mexico Secretary of State
32. New York Secretary of State
33. North Carolina Secretary of State
34. North Dakota Secretary of State
35. Ohio Secretary of State
36. Oklahoma Secretary of State
37. Oregon Secretary of State
38. Pennsylvania Secretary of State
39. Rhode Island Secretary of State
40. South Carolina Secretary of State
41. South Dakota Secretary of State
42. Tennessee Secretary of State
43. Texas Secretary of State
44. Utah Secretary of State
45. Vermont Secretary of State
46. Virginia Secretary of State
47. Washington Secretary of State
48. West Virginia Secretary of State
49. Wisconsin Secretary of State
50. Wyoming Secretary of State

Choose your party affiliation carefully (depending on your state)

Most states have “closed” primaries, meaning that only voters registered with a particular party can vote in their primary election, so choose accordingly.

A few states have “open” primaries in which all registered voters can vote in the primary of their choice.

There are also “jungle” primaries which, contrary to the name, is absent of any primary. Instead, all candidates are voted on at one time which often leads to a runoff election between the top two candidates.

Remember to bring a valid form of identification to vote!

Most states have voter ID laws aimed at preventing voter fraud so remember to bring one of these forms of photo identification:

  • Drivers License
  • Military ID
  • Passport
  • State-Issued ID

Here is a help video in case you have any trouble

Now, get out and vote!