Whenever you change your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change) or move to a new address, you must update your voter registration to ensure you can vote at the correct polling location. Failing to update can result in being unable to vote or having to cast a provisional ballot.
8 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Determine what needs updating — Identify whether you need to update your name, address, or both. Moving within the same county, to a different county, or to a different state each have different pr...
- Check your state's update process — Visit vote.gov and select your state to find specific instructions and deadlines. Many states offer online updates.
- Update online (if available) — Many states allow you to update your registration at your state's election website or through vote.gov. You will typically need your driver's license number or state ...
- Update by mail — Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form from the EAC (eac.gov) and complete it with your new information. Check the box indicating this is a change of information. Mail ...
- Update at the DMV — When changing your address on your driver's license, most states include an option to update your voter registration on the same form. This is the easiest method if you are alre...
- Update in person — Visit your local election office or county clerk to update your registration in person. Bring your current ID and proof of new address or name change.
- Moving to a new state — Register to vote in your new state from scratch. You do not need to cancel your old registration; it will be removed when the old state receives notice from the new state or...
- Confirm your update — After submitting, verify the update was processed by checking your registration status online or calling your election office. You should receive an updated voter registration...
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until right before an election
- Not updating after moving within the same city
- Forgetting to update after a name change
- Assuming the DMV handled it
- Not re-registering after moving to a new state
Pro Tips
- Same-day registration states (about 20 states plus DC) allow you to register ...
- Set a reminder to check your voter registration 30 days before any election a...
- If you moved recently and are unsure if your registration was updated, contac...
- When updating your name, keep documentation of the name change (marriage cert...
- Some states (like Oregon and Washington) conduct elections entirely by mail, ...