It feels like the election has been dominating the news for quite some time. The upcoming election is November 8th, which means we’re less than three weeks away from casting our ballots! Voting is an important part of being an American citizen, and an opportunity for your voice to be heard by voting for the candidates you believe best represent you. In order to vote, though, you must first be registered.
Voter registration is the process by which citizens and residents register in order to be authorized and allowed to vote in elections. If you need to register to vote, visit Vote.USA.gov. Depending on your state’s voter registration rules, the site can help you:
- Register online. This is available for 31 states (including Nebraska) plus the District of Columbia.
- Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form. You can fill it out onscreen and print the completed form, or print the blank form and fill it out by hand. Remember to sign the form before mailing it to the location listed for your state.
- Find guidance for states and territories with different registration procedures.
You can also register to vote in person at your state or local election office. Other places you can register to vote in person include the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), armed recruitment centers, and public assistance offices.
Still on the fence about voting this upcoming election? Don’t be. It’s important to remember that when voting, you’re not just voting for President. There are more candidates on the ballot than just President of the United States. The president’s power is limited if his or her party doesn’t have control of the Senate or House of Representatives. There are also important state and local officeholders on the ballot. Not voting in an election doesn’t just affect the presidential race, but it affects those down ticket as well. In order for democracy to work effectively and be representative of the people, the people need to get out and be heard. That means voting!
