How to Register to Vote

We know a couple people who really want your vote, but are you able to legally give it to them?

In other words, are you registered to vote?

Sure, the presidential election is on November 4, but don’t expect to simply arrive at the polls and cast your vote.

KNOW THE REGISTRATION DEADLINES
In most states, to register to vote, all you generally need is to prove United States citizenship, proof of jurisdiction (that means where you live), and to validate that you’re over 18 on election day. But, the registration deadlines vary from state to state.  In some states (like Alaska), the last day to register is as early as October 4, in other states (like Wyoming), it may be late as the day of the election.

BE AWARE OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS
And, while the days of poll taxes and literacy tests are over, registration requirements still stand. Whether you’re casting a vote for Charles Baldwin, Robert Barr, John McCain, Cynthia McKinney, or Barack Obama, you should contact your state election office to learn about provisions for voting right about now. For instance, New York requires you live at your current address for at least 30 days before the election. To learn about requirements in your state, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission is a great place to start.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IF YOU ARE MOVING
If you are moving just before the election, find out if your state offers a special presidential ballot , which is different from, say, an absentee ballot.  “An absentee has all the choices for you to vote [federal and local government],” says Bob Brehm, deputy director of information at the  New York State Board of Elections. On the other hand, a special presidential ballot acknowledges that you’re entitled to vote for a president, but your qualifications for the other electoral choices, such as local or state government are unclear.

Download a federal form, says Brehm, and you can register from anywhere in the United States.

PICK A POLLING PLACE
For those that may have registered months or years ago, and are voting in the same state, if you need details regarding polling places check out your state's election Web site. Some states, such as Nebraska , Kansas and New Mexico, among others,  provide online voter registration lookup for those that need to be reminded about where to go on the big day.