If you're planning on voting in the up-coming election, you probably already know voter registration is the first step you need to take to be ready. What you may not know is exactly how and where to register to vote. If you're a U.S. citizen, you may still be a little unclear about exactly who can vote.
The good news is that voter registration is a quick and hassle-free process. Elections are one time the government actually goes out of their way to make things easy for you and ensure a good turnout. If you want to register to vote in the upcoming elections, here is some information you will need.
Who Can Register?
Simple, just about everyone. Any U.S. citizen who will be over the age of 18 by the election date is encouraged to register to vote. However, state laws do vary on this topic. In most states, convicted felons and those deemed mentally incompetent are not permitted to register to vote.
Citizenship is not always required either. Did you know that there are a few locations in the U.S. where you can vote in local elections even if you are not a citizen? If you have a permanent residency, be sure to check out whether or not you can voice your opinion in your local area.
Where to Register
These locations vary and depend a lot on where you live. Voter registration spots differ by state, county, and even city. Although state offices are the traditional locations to get your voter registration forms, more locations are becoming available.
In accordance with the National Voter Registration Act, all kinds of government offices now make forms available through several venues. These include post offices, public schools and libraries, city and county clerks offices (where you get marriage licenses and birth certificates), and even fishing and hunting license offices. The passage of the "Motor Voter" law means you can now get your forms in any motor vehicle (DMV) office too.
Another option is getting your voter registration forms by mail. Just find out which local government office provides them, call and ask them to mail your forms to you. You can fill them out and mail them back, but make sure you allow enough time before the election to get this completed. If you live in Arizona or Washington, you can even register to vote online!
Get Your Card
Now that you've gotten your forms, filled them out and mailed them in, you're registered, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, you are not officially able to vote until you receive your voter registration card. About three weeks after sending in your forms, you should get your voter registration card in the mail. Make sure you have it with you on the big day as you will need show it in order to cast your vote. It is imperative that you allow enough time to receive the registration card before the election. It would be a shame to lose your vote on a technicality.
No comments:
Post a Comment