5 Steps To Take After Registering To Vote To Prepare For Election Day

Sept. 17, 2024 will mark the United States’ National Voter Registration Day, a day full of educating and encouraging citizens to get prepared for national elections to come, including the 2024 presidential election. Volunteers and organizations band together to engage in in-person and digital efforts to encourage people to vote. 

Citizens are able to check their registration statuses, review voter registration deadlines and rules by state, and educate themselves on voting times and places. The nonpartisan civic holiday had its early beginnings back in 2012, according to the official website, and has been celebrated each year since, increasing voter registration and turnout numbers since inception. 

At large, National Voter Registration Day is a day to raise awareness for voter registration. But, what comes after you register to vote? I’m here to answer all of those burning questions about what you can do to prepare for this year’s election after being registered to vote.

Confirm your registration.

It may sound repetitive, but it’s vital to first confirm your registration. You can quickly check up on your registration status via the official National Voter Registration Day’s Check Your Registration Tool. It never hurts to ensure you’re prepped and ready to vote on Election Day.

Research your state’s voting resources.

The National Voter Registration Day website has an abundance of resources, including the voter help page which can lead you to your state’s official resource page. I’m from North Carolina, so I went over to NC’s site page on Nonprofit Vote where I was met with information on the North Carolina State Board of Elections, access to a State Voter Registration Form, and a Vote-by-Mail Application. 

Each of these differing subgroups allowed me to educate myself on the voting process for my home state. Via the official State Board of Elections website, I’m able to research the number of registered voters in North Carolina, find varying polling sites across North Carolina, and even learn how to vote early. Brushing up on voting resources for your state will help you feel confident and ready to cast your vote once November rolls around.

Identify or change your polling place. 

When you register to vote, you automatically register yourself to a specific polling location. If you’re interested in learning more about the polling places around you, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has a Find Your Polling Place tool you can utilize. Via the tool, you’re able to identify your local polling location, access a sample ballot, and review your county’s Board of Election information. 

If you’ve recently moved and need to update your polling location, you must review your state’s regulations on updating your status. Changing your registration can be done online, by mail, or by phone, depending on your state: 

• You can make changes online in applicable states by heading over to the U.S. Election Assistance Commision’s Register and Vote in Your State page. From there, you’ll be guided to your state’s official page where address (and political affiliation) changes can be made. 

• To update your address via mail, you can download, fill out, and mail a National Voter Registration Form. 

• If you’re looking to make these changes over the phone, check in with your state or local election office to understand their guidelines on over-the-phone adjustments.

Review your state’s voter ID rules.

Like all voting regulations, rules often vary by state, including the in-person and by-mail voter ID requirements. There are three “levels” to the degree of ID laws in each state: strict voter ID states, non-strict voter ID states, and no voter ID states. Another subcategory of voter ID guidelines includes the discrepancy between a photo or non-photo ID. 

These regulations are different on a state-by-state basis, so it’s important to check up on what your state may require. If you live in a no-voter in-person ID state, you won’t have to carry a photo ID, but may want to be safe. However, for some of those same states, proof of ID information may be required when submitting a vote by mail. These varying discrepancies are important information you’ll need to know before heading into any election.

Vote early, by mail, or in person on Election Day.

Finally, you’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure you’re ready to vote, whenever that may be. Many states have early voting periods so that voters can get their votes in prior to Election Day. With this, there’s also plenty of time to request a ballot by mail which is typically due on Election Day by 5 p.m. (unless postmarked on or before Election Day).

The 2024 presidential will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, so make sure you take all the applicable steps to vote!

Her Campus wants your voice to be heard. We’ve teamed up with DoSomething.org to make registering to vote fast and easy. Sign up here!

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• HC Voting 101
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• The 2024 Presidential Election
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