Why Should I Change My Voter Registration Address?
Whether you’re moving within or to a another state, you should change your voter registration address to avoid significantly extending the time you’ll spend at the polls on election day.
Voter registration deadlines differ by state but usually require that you update your address 30 days before the next election.
Most states send out voter registration cards confirming your voter registration details 5-7 weeks after receiving your change of address request.
Can I Change My Voter Registration Address Online?
The best option
Yes, you can change your voter registration address online. In fact, the online method saves you time at the polls on voting day and prevents you from having to go in person or call anyone.
How to Change Address on Voter Registration Online
- Visit NCSL to confirm whether your state offers online voter registration or not.
- If your state offers online voter registration, visit the U.S. EAC and select your state.
- Click on Register to Vote.
- You’ll be redirected to your state’s voter registration system.
- Choose to verify if you’re registered or to simply register.
- If you chose to register, choose new voter registration (if you moved to another state) or change to your voter registration (if you moved within state).
*The process is similar but may vary by state.
Eligibility for voter registration change of address online
Online voter registration is only available in 41 states.
Online voter registration is not available in:
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- Texas
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
Can I Change My Address on My Voter Registration by Mail?
The old-fashioned way
Yes, you can change your address on your voter registration by mail except if you reside in New Hampshire, Wyoming or North Dakota.
How to Change Address on Voter Registration by Mail
- Option 1: Fill and print the National Mail Voter Registration Form and mail it to the correct address (based on your state) listed at the bottom of the form.
- Option 2: Visit the U.S. EAC and select your state. Click on Register to Vote. You’ll then be redirected to your state’s voter registration platform where you may have the possibility to download, print and send a voter registration form by mail.
Can I Change My Address on My Voter Registration by Phone?
The most convenient option
Voter registration change of address by phone is only available in some states. You’ll have to check with your local Election Office to see if they accept changes over the phone. You can find contact details of your state’s election office here: U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Can I Change the Address on My Voter Registration at a Voter Registration Office? (In person)
When you’re in the area
Yes, you can change the address on your voter registration at a voter registration office and in person:
- At your local DMV (if you have a state DMV-issued driver’s license or ID).
- At your local County Board of Elections Office.
- At your local Elections Office.
You may be required to book an appointment online first.
*Varies by state
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Voter Registration Change of Address
How Do I Check My Voter Registration?
- Visit U.S. EAC and select your state.
- Click on Register to Vote.
- You’ll be redirected to your state’s voter registration system.
- Choose to verify if you’re registered and fill out the form.
*The process is similar but may vary by state.
When Is the Voter Registration Deadline?
The voter registration deadline varies by state, but the average is around 30 days before the election.
For instance, the voter registration deadlines for Georgia are as follows:
- Online registration deadline: Fifth Monday before Election Day
- Register by mail deadline: Must be postmarked by the fifth Monday before Election Day
- In person registration deadline: Fifth Monday before Election Day
You can find your state’s specific voter registration deadline on the Vote.gov website.
How Do I Vote if I Moved Out of State?
If you moved out of state, you have to re-register to vote in your new state:
- Visit U.S. EAC and choose the state you moved to.
- Click on Register to Vote.
- You’ll be redirected to the state’s voter registration system.
- Click on Register to Vote (or similar).
*Procedure may differ by state.
Do I Need My Voter Registration Card to Vote?
As long as you are in the correct polling location and have an acceptable form of photo ID, you don’t need the voter registration card to vote. You can visit Vote.org for state-specific voter ID laws.
Conclusion
Moving comes with lots of stress. Changing your address on your voter registration might be the last thing on your mind, especially when the next major election is due after 2-3 years. But if you keep avoiding it, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the polls on election day. The easiest option to change the address on your voter registration is online.
Are you moving soon? Make sure you check out some of the best moving truck rental companies and moving companies.
Now that you have registered your new address to vote, read our complete change of address checklist to find our who to notify next.
