(NewsNation) — The 2024 election is less than two months away, and Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day. Here’s what Americans need to do to prepare to vote.
The first step to voting in any election is to register to vote, or if you think you are already registered, to check your registration status.
Most Americans have three options when it comes to registering to vote: online, by mail or in person.
Who can vote?
To vote in the states, you must be a U.S. citizen, meet your state’s residency requirements, be 18 years old on or before Election Day and be registered to vote by the state’s voter registration deadline, according to USA.gov.
Who can’t vote?
Even if you meet all the requirements above to vote, there are still a few reasons why you may not be able to vote.
Here’s who can’t vote on Election Day:
- Noncitizens, including permanent legal residents
- Some Americans cannot vote after being convicted of a felony
- Some Americans who have a mental disability may not be able to vote
- U.S. citizens living in U.S. territories can’t vote for president
Registering to vote
According to Vote.gov, most states offer online voter registration. Most Americans can register in their state or territory through Vote.gov.
Other ways to register to vote include downloading the National Mail Voter Registration Form and mailing it to the location listed for your state. Americans who prefer to register in person can visit their state or local election office to sign up.
However, please note that some states have registration deadlines as early as 30 days before Election Day.
Find your state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
District of Columbia and territories
Alabama
Alabama’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 21.
To register to vote in Alabama:
- Submit the Alabama application electronically
- Download the Alabama Voter Registration Form and mail it to the local office of the Board of Registrars in which the registrant resides
- Alabamians can also request the state mail them an Alabama Voter Registration Form by using the online voter registration form request on the Alabama secretary of state website.
Check your voter registration status here.
Alaska
Alaska’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 6.
To register to vote in Alaska:
- Submit the Alaska application electronically
- Register to vote or update your registration in person at a Division of Elections office or a voter Registration Agency
- Print the State of Alaska Voter Registration Application to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail, fax or email attachment to the appropriate regional elections office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Arizona
Arizona’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7.
To register to vote in Arizona:
- Submit the Arizona application electronically
- Print the State of Arizona Voter Registration Application to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to the recorder’s office in your county.
- Register using the National Mail Voter Registration Form prescribed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Check your voter registration status here.
Arkansas
Arkansas’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7.
Online registration is currently not available to register to vote in Arkansas. However, here’s how you can register to vote:
- Print the Arkansas Voter Registration Application to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your the clerk’s office in your county.
- Request the state mail a registration form to you by using the Request for a Voter Registration Application on the Arkansas secretary of state website.
Check your voter registration status here.
California
California’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21 for online and mail registration, and Nov. 5 for in-person registration.
To register to vote in California:
- Submit the California voter registration application electronically
- For those who want to register using a paper voter registration application, you can pick one up at your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles offices or U.S. post office. The application must be filled out and postmarked or hand-delivered to your county elections office at least 15 days before the general election.
- Register to vote in person on Election Day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center — otherwise known as Same Day Voter Registration.
Check your voter registration status here.
Colorado
Colorado’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 28, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Colorado:
- Submit the Colorado voter registration application electronically
- Print the Colorado Voter Registration Application to complete and sign. Mail, deliver or scan the signed form and email it to your county clerk and recorder.
- Register to vote in person on election day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center if you miss the deadlines listed above.
Check your voter registration status here.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 18, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Connecticut:
- Submit the Connecticut voter registration application electronically
- Print the State of Connecticut Mail-in Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person on election day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center if you miss the deadlines listed above.
Check your voter registration status here.
Delaware
Delaware’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 12, 2024.
To register to vote in Delaware:
- Submit the Delaware voter registration application electronically
- Print the State of Delaware Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency. You can also call the Department of Elections are request that a form be mailed to you.
- Register to vote in person at any Department of Elections office or a voter registration event hosted by a Delaware Organized Voter Registration (OVR) Program group of trained voter registrars.
Check your voter registration status here.
Florida
Florida’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Florida:
- Submit the Florida voter registration application electronically
- Print the Florida Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your supervisor of election.
- Register to vote in person before the Oct. 7 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Georgia
Georgia’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Georgia:
- Submit the Georgia voter registration application electronically
- Print the State of Georgia Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send or deliver the completed form to the Secretary of State or your county voter registration office.
- Register to vote in person at your county voter registration office before the Oct. 7 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 28, 2024, for mail-in registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person and online registration.
To register to vote in Hawaii:
- Submit the Hawaii voter registration application electronically
- Print the Hawaii Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send or deliver the completed form to your County Elections Division
- Register to vote in person at your local DMV, post office, library, city hall, county’s election division or Office of Elections if you miss the deadlines listed above.
Check your voter registration status here.
Idaho
Idaho’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 11, 2024, for mail-in and online registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Idaho:
- Submit the Idaho voter registration application electronically
- Print the Idaho Voter Registration form and send the completed form by mail to your county clerk.
- Register to vote in person on election day or visit your county clerk’s office during business hours.
Check your voter registration status here.
Illinois
Illinois’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 8, 2024, for mail-in registration; Oct. 20, 2024, for online registration; and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Illinois:
- Submit the Illinois voter registration application electronically
- Print the Illinois Voter Registration form and send the completed form by mail to your county clerk or Board of Election commissioner.
- To register to vote in person, visit your county clerk’s office, Board of Election commissioner’s office, city or village offices, township offices, schools, public libraries, military recruitment offices or locations specifically designated by the election authority.
Check your voter registration status here.
Indiana
Indiana’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Indiana:
- Submit the Indiana voter registration application electronically
- Print the Iowa Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person before the Oct. 7 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Iowa
Iowa’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Iowa:
- Submit the Iowa voter registration application electronically
- Print the Iowa Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person on election day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center if you miss the deadlines listed above.
Check your voter registration status here.
Kansas
Kansas’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024.
To register to vote in Kansas:
- Submit the Kansas voter registration application electronically
- Print the Kansas Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person before the Oct. 15 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Kentucky:
- Submit the Kentucky voter registration application electronically
- Print the Kentucky Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local County Clerk’s Office before the Oct. 7 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online registration and Oct. 7, 2024, for in-person and by-mail registration.
To register to vote in Louisiana:
- Submit the Louisiana voter registration application electronically
- Print the Louisiana Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local Registrar of Voters Office, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, WIC offices; food stamp offices, Medicaid offices, offices serving persons with disabilities such as the Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living Offices or Armed Forces recruitment offices.
Check your voter registration status here.
Maine
Maine’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Maine:
- Submit the Maine voter registration application electronically
- Print the Maine Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local city or town hall.
Check your voter registration status here.
Maryland
Maryland’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Maryland:
- Submit the Maryland voter registration application electronically
- Print the Maryland Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local board of elections, the State Board of Elections, your local Department of Health office, the Maryland Department of Human Services local offices, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offices, your local Area Agency on Aging office, the MTA Paratransit Certification Office, all public institutions of higher education, recruitment offices of the U.S. Armed Forces, marriage license offices and offices for students with disabilities at all Maryland colleges and universities.
Check your voter registration status here.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 26, 2024.
To register to vote in Massachusetts:
- Submit the Massachusetts voter registration application electronically
- Print the Massachusetts Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local town clerks, election commission, and Boards of Registrars; the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division; or the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s regional offices.
Check your voter registration status here.
Michigan
Michigan’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Michigan:
- Submit the Michigan voter registration application electronically
- Print the Michigan Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local Secretary of State branch office; city or township clerk’s office or your county clerk’s office; or at any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities.
Check your voter registration status here.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Minnesota:
- Submit the Minnesota voter registration application electronically
- Print the Minnesota Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person on Election Day at polling places or early voting locations before Election Day.
Check your voter registration status here.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct.7, 2024.
To register to vote in Mississippi:
- Online voter registration is not available
- Print the Mississippi Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local Circuit Clerk’s Office, Municipal Clerk’s Office, Department of Public Safety or any state or federal agency offering government services, such as the Department of Human Services.
Check your voter registration status here.
Missouri
Missouri’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 9, 2024.
To register to vote in Missouri:
- Submit the Missouri voter registration application electronically
- Print the Missouri Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your designated election authority.
- Register to vote in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or any state agency providing service to the public.
Check your voter registration status here.
Montana
Montana’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024, to register by mail and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Montana:
- Online voter registration is not available
- Print the Montana Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county’s election office.
- Register to vote in person at any state agency providing service to the public.
Check your voter registration status here.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 18, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Oct. 25, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Nebraska:
- Submit the Nebraska voter registration application electronically
- Print the Nebraska Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at any state agency providing service to the public.
Check your voter registration status here.
Nevada
Nevada’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 23, 2024, for online registration; Oct. 8, 2024, to register by mail; and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Nevada:
- Submit the Nevada voter registration application electronically
- Print the Nevada Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles office, at your county clerk or registrar of voters’ office, at various social service agencies, and on college campuses.
Check your voter registration status here.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online and in-person registration. Those registering by mail must have their form postmarked 21 days before Election Day.
To register to vote in New Jersey:
- Submit the New Jersey voter registration application electronically
- Print your county’s New Jersey Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at any state agency providing service to the public.
Check your voter registration status here.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 8, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in New Mexico:
- Submit the New Mexico voter registration application electronically
- Print the New Mexico Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county clerk’s office.
- Register to vote in person on election day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center.
Check your voter registration status here.
New York
New York’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 26, 2024.
To register to vote in New York:
- Submit the New York voter registration application electronically
- Print the New York Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your county board of elections, any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center and at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Check your voter registration status here.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 11, 2024, for online and by-mail registration. Same-day in-person registration is available during the early voting period.
To register to vote in North Carolina:
- Submit the North Carolina voter registration application electronically
- Print the North Carolina Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- In-person voting registration is available during early voting, beginning on Oct. 17, 2024, and running through Nov. 2, 2024, at early voting sites.
Check your voter registration status here.
North Dakota
North Dakota does not require voter registration.
Ohio
Ohio’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Ohio:
- Submit the Ohio voter registration application electronically
- Print the Ohio Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at any state agency providing service to the public.
Check your voter registration status here.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 11, 2024.
To register to vote in Oklahoma:
- Submit the Oklahoma voter registration application electronically
- Print the Oklahoma Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your County Election Board.
- Register to vote in person at your County Election Board office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Oregon
Oregon’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024.
To register to vote in Oregon:
- Submit the Oregon voter registration application electronically
- Print the Oregon Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your county elections office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21, 2024.
To register to vote in Pennsylvania:
- Submit the Pennsylvania voter registration application electronically
- Print the Pennsylvania Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county elections office.
- Register to vote in person at your county election office, PennDOT and many other government agencies.
Check your voter registration status here.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 6, 2024.
To register to vote in Rhode Island:
- Submit the Rhode Island voter registration application electronically
- Print the Rhode Island Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- To register to vote in person, download the voter registration form and bring the completed form to your local board of canvassers.
Check your voter registration status here.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 6, 2024, for online registration; Oct. 7, 2024, to register by mail; and Oct. 4, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in South Carolina:
- Submit the South Carolina voter registration application electronically
- Print the South Carolina Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form to your local county board of voter registration by mail, fax, or email.
- Register to vote in person at your local county board of voter registration.
Check your voter registration status here.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21, 2024.
To register to vote in South Dakota:
- Online voter registration is not available
- Print the South Dakota Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your County Auditor.
- Register to vote in person at your local county auditor’s office; driver’s license station (when you are renewing or applying for a driver’s license you may also register to vote on the driver’s license application); City Finance Office; public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC; Department of Human Services offices which assist the disabled; and military recruitment offices
Check your voter registration status here.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in Tennessee:
- Submit the Tennessee voter registration application electronically
- Print the TennesseeVoter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county election commission.
- Register to vote in person at your local County Election Commission Offices, County Clerk’s Offices, Public Libraries, Register of Deeds Offices or during a transaction with one of the following agencies: Department of Health (WIC program), Department of Human Services, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Department of Safety (motor vehicles division) and Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Check your voter registration status here.
Texas
Texas’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 7, 2024, for in-person and mail-in registration. Online registration is not available.
To register to vote in Texas:
- Online registration is not available
- Print the Texas voter registration application to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county election office.
- Register to vote in person by checking with your county.
Check your voter registration status here.
Utah
Utah’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 25, 2024, for online and by-mail applications and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Utah:
- Submit the Utah voter registration application electronically
- Print the Utah Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your your county clerk.
- Register to vote in person at your county clerk’s office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Vermont
Vermont’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Nov. 5, 2024.
To register to vote in Vermont:
- Submit the Vermont voter registration application electronically
- Print the Vermont Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town clerk.
- Register to vote in person at your local town clerk’s office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Virginia
Virginia’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024.
To register to vote in Virginia:
- Submit the Virginia voter registration application electronically
- Print the Virginia Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your local voter registration office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Washington
Washington’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 28, 2024, for online and by-mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Washington:
- Submit the Washington voter registration application electronically
- Print the Washington Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your town hall or voter registration agency.
- Register to vote in person at your county’s election office.
Check your voter registration status here.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024.
To register to vote in West Virginia:
- Submit the West Virginia voter registration application electronically
- Print the West Virginia Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form to your local county clerk’s office by mail or in person.
- Register to vote in person at your local county clerk’s office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 16, 2024, for online and by-mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Wisconsin:
- Submit the Wisconsin voter registration application electronically
- Print the Wisconsin Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your local municipal clerk.
- Register to vote in person at your municipal clerk’s office.
Check your voter registration status here.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 21, 2024, to register by mail and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in Wyoming:
- Online voter registration is not available
- Print the Wyoming Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to your county clerk’s office.
- Register to vote in person at your county clerk’s office and other state agency locations listed on the county clerk’s website.
Check your voter registration status here.
Federal District and Territories
Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 15, 2024, for online and by mail registration and Nov. 5, 2024, for in-person registration.
To register to vote in the District of Columbia:
- Submit the District of Columbia voter registration application electronically
- Print the District of Columbia Mail-in Voter Registration form to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to the D.C. Board of Elections.
- Register to vote in person on election day at your county’s elections office, polling place or vote center if you miss the deadlines listed above.
Check your voter registration status here.
American Samoa
American Samoa’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote in American Samoa:
- Register in person at your local election office
Check your voter registration status here.
Guam
Guam’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 26, 2024.
To register to vote in Guam:
- Submit the Guam voter registration application electronically
- Register in person at the Guam Election Commission Office, Department of Revenue & Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division, your local Mayors’ Office or local Volunteer Voter Registrar before the Oct. 26 deadline.
Check your voter registration status here.
Northern Mariana Islands
Northern Mariana Islands’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Sept. 6, 2024.
To register to vote in the Northern Mariana Islands:
- Register in person at your local election office; the Northern Mariana Islands’ requires residents to fill out an Affidavit of Voter Registration Application and an Affidavit Questionnaire to determine voter eligibility.
Check your voter registration status here.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s voter registration deadline for the general election is Sept. 6, 2024.
To register to vote in Puerto Rico:
- Submit the Puerto Rico voter registration application electronically
- Register to vote in person at any local government agency providing the service.
Check your voter registration status here.
U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands’ voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 6, 2024.
To register to vote in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Register to vote in person at one of the following locations here.
Check your voter registration status here.