New to Voting? We got you!

Am I registered to vote? How do I register? Can I vote by mail? This seems complicated.

If you’re new to voting, it can feel overwhelming to just get registered to vote and figure out where to vote, especially if you’re away at college. Thankfully, Vote.org has everything you need to find out if you’re registered, how to register, how to vote by mail, and any state-specific requirements that might apply! We also love When We All Vote for all of our voter questions.

If I’m not 18 years old, can I pre-register to vote?

It depends on what state you’re in - almost half of U.S. states allow people under 18 to register vote. You can find out here at Feel Good Action whether you can register to vote now even if you’re not 18 yet!

Where can I go to vote?

States and counties can vary on where and when to vote. Check out Vote.org to find out about voting by mail and the polling place nearest you. Also, if you’re away at college and want to vote in that state, many states will allow you to register in that state. To find out the requirements, you can find all the links you need here.

I’m new to voting. When do elections even happen?

Federal elections happen every two years and state elections happen often - sometimes every year depending what’s on the ballot.

Presidential elections are every 4 years on the first Tuesday in November (2024, 2028, 2032, etc.). These elections also include races for Congress (think U.S. Representatives and Senators) and many state and local offices.

Midterm elections are every 4 years - in between presidential elections - also on the first Tuesday in November (2026, 2030, 2034, etc.). During midterms, all 435 House seats and about one-third of Senate seats are up for election, along with many state and local races.

Don't forget local and state elections! Many cities, counties, and school districts hold elections at different times throughout the year. These often have the most direct impact on your daily life, so check Vote411.org regularly to stay updated.

How do I find out about upcoming elections in my area?

The easiest way to stay informed about elections is to visit Vote411.org, scroll down to the map, and click on your state. You can also enter your address here and find out what’s on the ballot (once it’s published - usually a few months before the election). This will show you all upcoming elections in your city, county, and state, along with information about candidates and ballot measures.

👉 Pro tips:

✔ Sign up for election reminders from your local election office or by registering for Vote.org’s election alerts so you never miss an opportunity to vote.

✔ Sign up for a personalized voter guide at Vote411’s Plan Your Vote.

I live overseas and/or I’m in the military. Can I vote?

Yes! Many people don’t realize they can vote when living abroad. Here’s everything you need to know!