“To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
In the United States, one of the best ways that we can be citizens is by exercising our right to vote. Unfortunately, younger adults, including Millennials and post-Millennials, are the least likely of all age groups to vote. And the likelihood that people will turn out to vote is even less during non-Presidential election years.
New research also shows that lifelong voting habits are formed in childhood and adolescence. When youth see their parents or adults around them vote, they are more likely to vote themselves when they are adults. Even just participating in regular political discussion while growing up can affect future voting habits!
At Boys & Girls Clubs, we have an opportunity to positively affect voting trends in young people. By encouraging our teens to participate in democracy, whether through voting or by supporting their activism, we help them to raise the issues they care about most and to see how they can impact the political system, nationally and locally. This may mean that we assist youth to plan service projects or events. It may mean taking youth to Advocacy Days at the national or state capitols. It may mean inviting local politicians to focus groups with our youth, and then ensuring that the youth are allowed to ask questions on topics of their choosing (not just photo ops). It may also mean assisting youth in voter registration by allowing them access to internet to complete online or having paper forms on hand.
Each state sets their own voting laws, and they can vary widely and be difficult to navigate, particularly for young people. The good news is that every state offers some form of pre-registration before youth turn 18, so you may have Club members who are eligible. Today on the ClubX Blog we’ve compiled all the relevant info, including pre-registration age, deadlines, and what is needed on Election Day so you can make sure your teens are ready. All of this information comes from Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan nonprofit. Their website is amazing and has everything you could possibly need to know, including links right to registration forms. I’ve linked to each state’s page below.
It goes without saying that before you do anything else, make sure that YOU are registered! Find your state below and make your voice heard on Election Day, Tuesday November 3, 2020!
HUGE GIANT UPDATE AUGUST 2020: Since I updated this post, a literal pandemic has changed literally everything. I’ve gone through and deleted all dates, since deadlines and primary elections dates and absentee ballot information has largely shifted, but still encourage you to check your state and local elections websites for more specific information. Voting is still as important as ever!
Alabama
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/alabama/
Alaska
• Age: Can pre-register 90 days before 18th birthday
• No Election Day registration, automatically registered when applying for Permanent Fund Dividend
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID required to vote, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/alaska/
Arizona
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by Election Day (NOTE: Arizona requires proof of US citizenship, such as an AZ driver’s license, photocopy of birth certificate or passport, or Tribal enrollment number to register)
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: 1 photo ID or 2 non-photo IDs required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/arizona/
Arkansas
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/arkansas/
California
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• In most elections can cast a provisional ballot on Election Day which will be counted when registration is complete, automatic registration has been passed but is not yet implemented
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/california/
Colorado
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Election Day registration available, automatically registered when visit a government office like DMV
• On Election Day: Colorado has all-mail elections, with first ballot cast may have to include copy of non-photo ID with ballot
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/colorado/
Connecticut
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 on Election Day
• Election Day registration available with proof of identity and residency at one location in each town, automatic registration when visit a government office like DMV
• On Election Day: First-time voters must present current proof of address such as photo ID or current utility bill or bank statement, for everyone else non-photo ID requested but affidavit available
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/connecticut/
Delaware
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID is requested
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/delaware/
Florida
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID requested, if no ID can vote provisionally
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/florida/
Georgia
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/georgia/
Hawaii
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Can register at early voting locations or on Election Day, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID requested
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/hawaii/
Idaho
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register on Election Day with proof of ID and residence, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/idaho/
Illinois
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register at home district on Election Day with two pieces of identification, automatic registration has passed but is not yet implemented
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/illinois/
Indiana
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/indiana/
Iowa
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5
• Can register on Election Day at polling place for current address with proof of identity and residency, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID is requested
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/iowa/
Kansas
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/kansas/
Kentucky
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID is requested
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/kentucky/
Louisiana
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/louisiana/
Maine
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Election Day registration available at the polls, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/maine/
Maryland
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Can register during Early Voting only at designated polling location with Maryland ID and proof of residency, no Election Day registration and no automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
• For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/maryland/
Massachusetts
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/massachusetts/
Michigan
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5 if will be 18 by next Election Day
• Election Day and Automatic Voter Registration passed in 2018, but is not yet implemented
• On Election Day: Photo ID requested, affidavit available
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/michigan/
Minnesota
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register on Election Day with proof of residence or another registered voter from precinct to who will attest to address, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/minnesota/
Mississippi
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/mississippi/
Missouri
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/missouri/
Montana
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register at county election office on Election Day, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID requested, can vote provisionally
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/montana/
Nebraska
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/nebraska/
Nevada
• Age: Can pre-register at 17
• Can register on Election Day at polling location, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/nevada/
New Hampshire
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register on Election Day at polling place with proof of age, citizenship, and domicile, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID requested, affidavit available
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/new-hampshire/
New Jersey
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Automatic voter registration of eligible citizens when they go to an approved government agency like the DMV, no Election Day registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/new-jersey/
New Mexico
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/new-mexico/
New York
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 if will be 18 by end of calendar year
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/new-york/
North Carolina
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Can register during early voting at home polling place with ID, no Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/north-carolina/
North Dakota
• No registration required
• Democratic Caucuses: Tuesday March 10; Republican Convention Tuesday March 10
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote, affidavit available
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/north-dakota/
Ohio
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID required to vote, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/ohio/
Oklahoma
• Age: Can pre-register at 17.5
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: State or Federal-issued photo ID, Oklahoma voter registration card, or federally recognized tribal ID card required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/oklahoma/
Oregon
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Automatic voter registration for eligible citizens when they go to a government agency, like the DMV, no Election Day registration
• On Election Day: Oregon conducts all-mail elections, can drop off ballot on Election day
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/oregon/
Pennsylvania
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: All first-time voter must show ID to vote, can include driver’s license, U.S. passport, student or employee ID, or non-photo documents such as current utility bill or paychecks
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/pennsylvania/
Rhode Island
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• In presidential elections only, unregistered and eligible citizens can register and vote for President and Vice President at their local Board of Canvassers on Election Day, automatic registration when visiting a government agency like DMV
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/rhode-island/
South Carolina
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/south-carolina/
South Dakota
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/south-dakota/
Tennessee
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/tennessee/
Texas
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 if within two months of 18th birthday
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/texas/
Utah
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Can register on Election Day, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: 1 photo ID or 2 non-photo IDs required
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/utah/
Vermont
• Age: Can pre-register at 16
• Can register on Election Day at City Clerk’s office during business hours, automatic registration when visiting a government agency like the DMV
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/vermont/
Virginia
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/virginia/
Washington
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day or automatic registration
• On Election Day: Washington conducts all-mail elections
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/washington/
West Virginia
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• No Election Day registration, automatic registration has been passed but is not yet implemented
• On Election Day: Non-photo ID required to vote, can include driver’s license, voter registration card, Medicare or Social Security card, birth certificate, WV hunting or fishing license, utility bill, etc.
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/west-virginia/
Wisconsin
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register on Election Day during polling hours at assigned precinct with approved form of ID and proof of residence, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: Photo ID required to vote
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/wisconsin/
Wyoming
• Age: Can pre-register at 17 as long as will be 18 by the next Election Day
• Can register on Election Day at local precinct with valid WY driver’s license or last four digits of Social Security number, no automatic registration
• On Election Day: First time voters may need to show ID if registered by mail, can be a photo ID or a document such as a current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc. with name and address
For more information: https://www.rockthevote.org/voting-information/wyoming/
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