How Do New U.S. Citizens Register To Vote?

Voting is a unique privilege and one of the most effective ways to participate in U.S. politics. If you recently became a U.S. citizen, you’re probably looking forward to exercising your right to vote.

If you will be 18 years of age before the next Election Day, you’ll be able to cast your vote. This is true of every election whether it’s for your city, state, or the federal government. But, you won’t be automatically able to vote after becoming a citizen, you will need to complete a simple registration.

Below, we will discuss the following questions regarding the voter registration process.

• What are the voting rules for my state of residence?
• When is my state’s registration deadline?
• How do I know if I’m registered to vote?
• Is my voter registration information correct?
• How do I find the correct voting poll location?
• Can Green Card holders vote?
• Should my documents be translated into English?

What are the voting rules for my state of residence?

Voting regulations vary across states. However, in most states citizens must register before they can vote, even if they are legally eligible. The registration process can also differ in each state. But, in most states you can register in three ways:

• Online
• Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Or by using the National Voter Registration Form

While there is not one website which hosts each state’s DMV website links, you can search online for your state’s DMV website.

Note: In North Dakota, no voter registration is required. Voters must simply prove they are 18 using an ID when they arrive to vote at their polling location.

When is my state’s registration deadline?

You can look into your state’s voter registration deadline online.

You can also find comprehensive information about the voter registration deadlines by visiting your state or local territory’s election office website.

No matter whether you can vote in the next election or not, it’s always a good idea to register to vote as soon as possible.

How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

If you want to know if you’re registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status online, over the phone, by mail, and sometimes in person.

However, because each state has its own rules, confirming your registration status will require you to search your state’s specific website.

Similarly, if you want to visit an office in person, it may take some searching to find the address on your state’s website. For example, the state of Virginia offers a website listing the physical address of each voter registration office by city. Each state should offer a similar service, online.

Is my voter registration information correct?

As you check on your voter registration status, pay attention to these three things.

• Your name is accurately spelled
• Your current address is listed (not an outdated address)
• Your polling location is correct

If you can’t find your name on the voter registry, you should email, call, or visit an office as soon as possible. Any time you change your address, or change your name, you will need to update that information on your voter registration.

How do I find the correct voting poll location?

In most states, your local election office will send you a voter registration card or a letter which lists the address of your polling location. This is the location you’ll go to when it’s time for you to vote on each Election Day. To identify yourself, you’ll need to present your voter ID card, driver’s license, or another official ID.

In many states, you’ll have the option to vote by mail. This is useful if you’re out of the country, or want to vote early for some reason. Laws are different in each state, so check the details provided by your election officials or contact your local election office to make sure.

To find information about absentee voting or early voting in your area, the National Association of Secretaries of State has created an online tool. The website guides users to information specific to each state.

Can Green Card holders vote?

No, Green Card holders, also called Lawful Permanent Residents, are not eligible to vote in federal and state elections. This might be confusing, especially when obtaining a license at the DMV, because clerks may ask if you want to register to vote.

However, accepting this offer can pose a risk of deportation. Non-citizens, including green card holders, are not allowed to vote in federal, state, and most local elections. For more information on eligibility to vote, check the USA official voter information website.

Should my documents be translated into English?

At this point in your naturalization journey, you’ll most likely be able to register to vote without presenting any documents. However, there may be some rare cases when you need an English translation of a foreign document when registering to vote. For example, if you’re changing your name because of a marriage or divorce, you might have to present a foreign birth certificate

However, if for any reason, you need to submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit an English translation. To make the process as smooth as possible it’s best to use a certified translation.

Some documents that commonly need to be translated include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Death certificate
• Criminal records
• Military service records
• Academic transcripts

You can order a certified translation of these documents from our online store:

Order Your Certified Translation

It is always important to do your own research. Check the United States Election Assistance Commision website and your state residence website to see if you are eligible to vote. U.S. Language Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. As a result, it is not a substitute for legal counsel. If you need assistance submitting your paperwork, please seek out the advice of a lawyer.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn