Each state and territory sets its own rules for voter registration. You may be able to:
Check if your voter registration is up-to-date. Make sure you’re registered with your legal name and correct address. Many states also require that you register with a political party to vote in primary elections.
Change your address on your voter registration. You need to update your voter registration after a change of address, whether you move within a state or out of state. If you move out of state, register with the state you moved to. Submit your changes by your state’s registration deadline, which can be as early as 30 days before Election Day.
If you don’t have time to register in your new state before the presidential general election because the registration deadline has passed, your old state must let you vote, either by mail or in person. In non-presidential elections, your state may let you vote. Afterward, you will need to register in your new state.
Change your name on your voter registration. You need to update your voter registration with your state or territory after a legal name change. Submit your changes before your state’s registration deadline. The registration deadline for your state can be as early as 30 days before Election Day for a local, state, or national election. Your state may also require that you provide an updated driver’s license or identification card when you register.
Change your political party affiliation. When you register to vote, some states and territories may ask about your political party affiliation. In states and territories with closed primaries, you can only vote in your party’s primary election. In general elections, you can vote for any candidate regardless of your political party.
Find voter registration deadlines. There is no national voter registration deadline. In some states, the last day to register is 30 days before Election Day. In other states, you can register on Election Day. Election Day refers to any election (local, state, or national).
Your voter registration card. When you register to vote or change your registration, you may be mailed a voter registration card. This card confirms that you are registered and ready to vote. You don’t have to bring your voter registration card with you to vote, but you may need to show a form of identification.
Voting when living outside the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you can register to vote and request an absentee ballot (by mail) by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA). If you are U.S. military or military family, you can also use the FCPA to register to vote and request an absentee ballot.
