Each state and territory has its own rules for voter registration. You can:
Check if your registration is up-to-date. Make sure you’re registered with your legal name and current address. Many states also require you to be registered 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 change by your state’s registration deadline, which may be as early as 30 days before Election Day. If you don’t have time to register in your new state before a presidential general election because the registration deadline has passed, your former state must let you vote, by mail or in person. In non-presidential elections, your state may allow you to vote. You’ll then 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 change by your state’s registration deadline. The registration deadline for your state may be as early as 30 days before Election Day for a local, state, or national election. Your state may also require you to 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. In states and territories with closed primary elections, you can only vote in your party’s primary. In general elections, you can vote for any candidate regardless of your political party.
Find voter registration deadlines. There’s 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 update your registration, you may be mailed a voter registration card. This card confirms that you’re registered and ready to vote. You don’t need to have 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’re 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 Postcard Application (FPCA). If you’re U.S. military or military family, you can also use the FPCA to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Military and overseas voters can find more information from the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
