Register to Vote

Why should I vote?

Everyday decisions are made on our behalf by elected officials. These decisions can be made into laws that affect everything from our access to medicine, the music we hear and the money we earn. That is why voting it is a right that should not be taken for granted. Exercising your right to vote requires elected officials to listen to your opinion and represent your voice on a local, state and national level.

When we choose not to vote, we lose the power to help elect officials who will stand up for our rights, and protect the laws we care most about. Many people think that one single vote can never make a difference. However, more and more elections these days are coming down to only a tiny number of votes – every vote really does count.

What are the Voter Registration Requirements?

In order to be able to vote, you must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day
• Be a resident of the state and district in which you plan to vote.

Many states also have eligibility requirements that disqualify citizens for felony conviction or mental incapacity. These requirements are listed on state voter registration application forms.

Where can I register to vote?

Voter registration deadlines and some voter eligibility requirements vary state to state. Also, when registering to vote, you will usually need at least one form of identification that shows your current address. Check your state voter registration regulations for more information. Once you are registered to vote, you will only need to re-register if you move to a different address or change your name.

Voter Registration (by mail) - You can register to vote through the US mail, by downloading the National Voter Registration Form from US Election Assistance Commission and mailing it to the state address listed on the form.

Voter Registration (In Person) - You can also register to vote in person, at specific locations in your area. Registration applications may be obtained from the local election official in your county or city. In addition, you can also register to vote when applying for a driver’s license or identity card at State Department of Motor Vehicles or driver's licensing offices, State offices providing public assistance, State offices providing State-funded programs for the disabled, and at armed forces recruitment offices. Many States also offer registration opportunities at public libraries, post offices, unemployment offices, and at public high schools and universities.

Voter Registration (Online) – Many websites will also help you register to vote. The League of Women Voters offers good information on registering to vote, and current issues to be aware of when going to the polls. You can also go to http://www.register-vote.com or http://www.yourvotematters.org/vote/index.cfm.

Contact Your Elected Officials (and More)
The US Government maintains a website that allows individuals to search for and contact elected officials, as well as search for laws and regulations, data and statistics, and more. Click on www.firstgov.gov.

Tips for Lobbying Your Elected Officials

To “lobby” means to meet with an elected official and to try to influence the elected official by discussing political issues with her or him. This is your chance to show the representatives what issues are important to YOU and why. You definitely do not have to be an expert on every issue to successfully lobby your representatives! Remember, you are a voter, and your vote counts. You can use that vote to support only those officials who work on issues YOU care about. Here are some tips for successful lobbying:

• Always make an appointment
• You are allowed to lobby a legislator at any time.
• Don’t be disappointed if your appointment is with a staff member working with the specific legislator. Staff members will pass along the information.
• Dress nicely and professionally
• Be on time
• Identify yourself and if you are representing an organization, state the name. If you vote in their district note this. For example, “I am a constituent of District 6 in Montgomery County.”
• Present a clear message
• If you are lobbying a legislator in a group, choose one person to speak.
• Say exactly what you want this legislator to do in the fewest words.
• Make sure your questions are specific to the issue.
• Use facts to support your arguments.
• Be prepared for challenges or questions and do not be afraid to admit if you do not know the answers. Be honest and explain that you will research this further to learn more.
• Be gracious
• Don’t ever leave on a bad note, even if they disagree with your views.
• Follow up your visit with a thank you letter
• This is also another chance to make your point.

Write Letters to the Editor
This is an excellent chance to inform millions of people about a specific piece of legislation. In every newspaper there should be a section for letters to the editor. It’s important to note that if you write a letter and it doesn’t get published, keep writing because what you have to say is important!

Volunteer and Stay Informed
There are many organizations that provide opportunities to work directly for change, and they are often looking for volunteers. Other organizations will provide you with the most up-to-date information about politics, new laws, and other important news. By supporting these organizations with your time or money, or just by staying informed, you will be helping to further important causes. Look on our Resources page for some organizations you can help!

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

• Choose an organization that interests you.
• You can do this in many ways – our Resources page will give you a list of organizations, many of whom will be looking for help from volunteers.
• You can also try looking in the phone book for local organizations to get involved with.
• Searching the internet is also a good idea – type in key words, based on what your interests are, and see what comes up!
• Don’t forget to ask the people around you – friends, colleagues, parents, religious leaders. They may have suggestions for places to get involved.
• If the organization you have chosen has a website, many times you can click on “volunteer opportunities” and there will be a list of things that are currently available.
• Most websites also have links to other organizations. Explore these as well.
• You can also call organizations directly, and let hem know you are interested in volunteering for them. Most organizations will be thrilled to meet someone with a willingness to help, and an eagerness to learn. If they do not currently have any volunteer opportunities available, they may be able to offer suggestions of other places that do.
• Before contacting an organization, plan what you will say. It is a good idea to ask yourself:
• Have much time will I have to devote to volunteering?
• Am I usually available during the day or at night? During the week, or only on the weekends? During the summer?
• Are there any particular skills I have that would be useful?
• What do I want to get out of my volunteer experience?
• Remember that not every person will be a good fit for every volunteer position. By having a good idea of what you want, and what you have to offer, you can work with different organizations to find the best fit for you.

What if I don’t have time to volunteer? What are some others ways to get involved?

• Volunteering does not have to take a lot of time – sometimes help is needed during one-day events, particularly during elections. You can make a difference without making a long-term commitment. Follow the steps above to locate events in your area.
• Many organizations need help in other ways. Making a donation to an organization, however small, can make a big difference, and some organizations may need donations of food, clothing, or other basic supplies. There are lots of ways to get involved!
• Ultimately, staying informed about current politics, new, and events is one of the most important things that each of us can do to ensure that we are an activate participant in our community and in society. Nearly all organizations these days will send regular e-mails to interested individuals, or will have a newsletter or other bulletin. Stay informed, educate yourself, and pass information along. You never know when you might make a difference in someone else’s life by doing so!