How to Register to Vote in the 2022 Midterm Elections
The 2022 midterm elections are fast approaching and no matter where you live, there is a lot at stake. From inflation and immigration to trying to preserve democracy and restore bodily autonomy for people with a womb, there’s a lot to work on and vote on.
But first you must register to vote. While the deadlines for doing so, as well as registration methods, vary by state, the process is generally simple, no matter where you live. Here’s how to check your state’s registration deadlines and how to register to vote.
How to check if you are registered to vote
Even if you’re pretty sure you’re actually registered to vote, it’s a good idea to double-check. That way, if for some reason you don’t, you’ll have plenty of time to register before the November election.
There are several ways to do this. First, you can just type “check [your state’s] voter registration”. Websites will open that you can use to verify your registration status. You can also use national websites such as HeadCount , How to Vote , US Vote Foundation , Vote411 , Vote.gov , and Vote.org .
How to Check Voter Registration Deadlines
It’s easy enough to remember the election day date (Tuesday, November 8), but voter registration deadlines can get confusing. Not only do they differ from state to state, but there may be multiple registration deadlines within a state depending on how you register (online, by mail, or in person).
Under federal law, state voter registration deadlines cannot exceed 30 days before an election. This year it’s October 9th, so you have at least until then. You can find specific dates and information for your state on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) or AARP websites, but for now, here’s a quick overview of voter registration deadlines:
- Deadline 28-30 days before election : Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
- Deadline 20 to 27 days before election : Delaware, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia.
- Deadline 1 to 15 days before election : Alabama, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota.
- Voter Registration Available on Election Day : California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, COLUMBIA REGION
- No expiration date : North Dakota
How to register to vote
When you look for registration deadlines in your state, you will likely also find information on how to register to vote. If not, you can always look up “how to register to vote in [your state]” to find out. In addition, some of the websites mentioned above ( AARP , HeadCount , How to Vote , Vote411 , Vote.gov , and Vote.org ) provide information on how to register to vote in your state or direct you to your state’s website. state.
The registration process involves filling out a form and then submitting it (and possibly other information and/or identification) either in person at your local election office, by mail, or, in many states, online (more on this below). ).
How to register to vote in a language other than English
You can register to vote using forms in languages other than English. Scrolldown on the Vote411 website to download voter registration forms in 14 additional languages.
Which states allow online voter registration?
Currently, 40 states and Washington DC offer online voter registration.
And for the rest of the states:
- Oklahoma is in the first phase of implementing online voter registration. For now, residents who have already registered can update their information online , but those who are registering for the first time still need to download the form and submit it by regular mail.
- Meng is expected to start online registration in November 2023.
- Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming do not offer online voter registration.
- North Dakota does not require voter registration.
Who can pre-register to vote?
Some states allow people to register to vote before they turn 18, so they are ready to vote as soon as they become eligible. Known as “pre-registration,” it allows 16- and 17-year-olds to fill out a form and be added to the voter registration list with “pending” or “pre-registration” status. Then, when they turn 18, they are automatically added to the official voter registration list and can vote.
As usual, the rules vary depending on where you live, so it’s best to check your home state’s policies. For now, here’s the review:
- Pre-registration starts at age 16 : California, Colorado, Delaware, DC, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, DC.
- Pre-registration starts at age 17 : Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
In addition, some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they turn 18 before the general election. Contact the NCSL for more information about these policies and which states they apply to.