Voter Registration and Eligibility
How to Check If You’re Registered to Vote
Learn how to check your voter registration status online, what labels like inactive or pending mean, and what to do if your name is missing.
Voter Registration and Eligibility
Voter registration is how a person gets on the list of people allowed to vote. Eligibility is the set of conditions for being on that list, such as citizenship, residence, and age. States run registration and keep the voter rolls, with federal law setting some rules for how the process works. Local election offices handle most of the paperwork.
People usually ask how to register, how to check or update a registration after a move, what deadlines apply, who is eligible to vote in which elections, and what happens when a name is missing or questioned at the polls.
8articles
October 5last updated
An independent team explaining how government works
GovFacts is a nonpartisan site that makes government concepts, policies and programs easier to understand and use.
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Latest in Voter Registration and Eligibility
Voter Registration and Eligibility
Voter Registration Deadlines by State
See how voter registration deadlines vary by state, from 30-day cutoffs to same-day registration, plus how North Dakota and military voters differ.
Voter Registration and Eligibility
How to Register to Vote: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to registering to vote online, by mail, or in person, covering required ID, proof of address, and state rules on age and eligibility.
Primary Elections and Caucuses
Primary Elections: Who Can Vote and Why
Primary elections select party nominees for the November ballot. Unlike general elections, participation rules vary dramatically by state. Some states allow any registered voter to participate.…
All Articles on Voter Registration and Eligibility
Updating Voter Registration After Moving: A State-by-State Guide
Moving to a new home requires updating your voter registration to protect your right to vote. Your registration ties directly to your address, determining…
Provisional vs. Regular Ballots: Your Voting Guide
When you walk into a polling place on Election Day, you expect to receive a ballot, vote, and leave knowing your voice was heard.…
How Voter Registration Works
Voter registration connects eligibility to the election record. State rules govern applications, deadlines, updates and what happens when a name is missing.
Understanding Voter ID Laws vs. Voter Registration Requirements: A Guide to Election Processes
Navigating voting requirements in the United States can feel complex, with terms like "voter registration" and "voter ID laws" often used interchangeably in election…