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Are You Registered?

Generally, you need to register before you can vote. This helps ensure that everyone votes in the right voting district (or precinct) and only casts one ballot. You can register by giving your name, address and other information to the government office that runs elections in your area. It will probably be a state, county or city office. Most AFSCME retirees are already registered to vote. But just in case you aren't (perhaps you moved recently), here's the information you need to register before the next election. We urge you to share it with your voting age grandchildren (18 and over) and other friends and family.

Here are the most common ways to register to vote:

• At motor vehicle and other government offices. You can get registration applications in motor vehicle offices, public assistance offices, agencies that help people with disabilities, public libraries and other public buildings.
  
  
• By mail. You can start the registration process by calling your local elections office and asking them to send you a voter registration application in the mail. Fill it out and send it back. Although it may not be required, it's a good idea to include a copy of your photo ID with your voter registration application when you mail it in.
  
  
• At the elections office. The traditional way to register is to go in person to the local board of elections office or county courthouse and fill out a form. You don't have to mail anything -- you just fill it out and hand it in.
  
  
• In public places. Sometimes, especially when elections are coming up, you may find volunteers at tables in public places offering to help you register. They might be at senior centers, shopping malls or other places where people gather. It’s an easy way to get a registration form and start the process.

The Registration Form

Each jurisdiction will have a slightly different registration form, but the forms will always ask for your name, address, date of birth and U.S. citizenship. They usually ask for your driver's license number, if you have one, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have either a driver’s license or a Social Security number, the state will assign you a voter identification number. These numbers help states keep track of voters. Sometimes, local voting rules are on the back of the registration form.

This registration form may also ask for your choice of party: Republican, Democrat or a third party (such as Green or Libertarian). Choosing a party isn't necessary for voting in the November elections, but most states require it if you want to vote in party primaries.

When registering to vote, be sure to do the following:

• Write clearly on your application, so no one will have trouble reading it.
  
• Try to register well in advance of the deadline and avoid the rush.
  
• If you don't hear from the elections office within three weeks, call to find out what's happening with your registration.

Time to Register

Federal law says that you can't be required to register more than 30 days before the election. Most states set their registration deadlines at 30 days, but a few give you more time. Connecticut, for example, sets its deadline at 14 days before the election; Alabama's deadline is 10 days before Election Day.

In six states you can go to the polling place, register and vote, all at the same time: Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Be sure to bring identification and proof of where you live. In North Dakota you can vote without ever having to register at all.

A Change of Name or Address

If you're already registered but change your name— due to a marriage, for example — be sure to let your local election office know. Otherwise, you could be turned away on Election Day if your name isn't on the voting rolls.

You could also be turned away if you move to a new city or state and forget to register at your new address. It's a good idea to do it as soon as you arrive — while it's still fresh in your mind. A move within the same county or city, however, might not require that you register again, and you might be able to vote in the polling place for your old address. Be sure to check out the local rules to see if it’s allowed. Of course, you might prefer to re-register, provide your new address and vote at the polling place for your new location.

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