Eligibility Requirements

To register to vote in the United States, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. Some states allow registration at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the election.
  • Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Residency: Be a resident of the state where you’re registering.
  • Legal Disqualifications: Not be a convicted felon (unless your voting rights have been restored) or legally declared mentally incapacitated by a court.

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How to Register to Vote
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Registration Methods

  • Online: Many states offer online registration through their official Secretary of State or elections division website. For example, Texas residents can update their voter registration information online via the Texas.gov portal if they have a driver’s license or state ID card.
  • Mail: Download a voter registration form from your state’s election office website, fill it out, and mail it to the provided address.
  • In-Person: Register at various government offices, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, military recruitment centers, or county election offices.

Deadlines

Voter registration deadlines vary by state, typically falling between 15 to 30 days before an election. Check your state’s election office website for specific deadlines.

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