In the United States, you cannot participate in elections if you are not a registered voter. Most states make it very easy for citizens to register to vote, since they want to encourage all eligible voters to take part in the democratic process. The procedure which allows a citizen to register to vote is essentially the same in all states, although there may be some small differences.

Before you register to vote, determine whether or not you are eligible to vote. You must be an American citizen to vote in the United States, and you must also be 18 years of age or older at the time of the election. In some states, you cannot be a convicted felon. You must also be a resident of the county in which you are registering to vote. You must register to vote 15 days before an election in most states, although this requirement varies widely, from 10-30 days depending on the region.

After you have determined that you are eligible to vote, pick up a voter registration form. These forms are available in many places, including libraries, post offices, and the department of motor vehicles. For non-English speakers, voter registration forms in other languages are provided. Many states also offer voter registration materials online, through the office of the secretary of state. In addition, voter outreach organizations provide voter registration forms, if you are having difficulty finding one.

Fill out all of the information on the voter registration form. The form asks for your address and party affiliation. It will also ask for proof of identity, and it will have a space for a signature. Mail the voter registration, and look for a registration card in two to four weeks. If you do not receive such a card after you register to vote, contact your county clerk or registrar of voters to make sure that you are listed on the rolls.

You will need to re-register to vote if you change your name, political affiliation, or address. In some cases, you can change this information by calling the county clerk. In other instances, you may find it easier to fill out a new voter registration form.

Some states allow people to register to vote at the polling place. In this instance, bring proof of your residence, along with a valid identification. You will receive a provisional ballot, and you can check back with the registrar of voters or the county clerk later to make sure that your registration was accepted.

It is very easy to register to vote in the United States. If you know someone who is eligible but not registered to vote, encourage them to do so today.