If You Want to Vote this Fall, You’ll Need to Be Registered.  To Register, You Need to Be Prepared, and Time is Running Out.

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 26, 2024

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

If you want to vote this fall and you’re not registered, it’s time to get busy.   Fifteen states require a citizen to register 30 days prior to an election.  And a recent study showed 9% of Americans don’t have ready access to the documents required.   Here’s what you need.

First you’ll need to prove that you’re a resident of the state, and that you’ll be 18 years old by election day. In most states, this can be as easy as showing a driver’s license or eligible photo ID.  Some states require a residency of up to 30 days before you register, so if you’ve just moved, check out your state’s rules.  

Second, you’ll need to prove where you live.  Utility bills, apartment leases, car registrations, property tax bills, or bank statements are often allowable.  Students may need to show tuition statements or a student ID.

Third, you’ll need to prove you’re a citizen of the United States.  Typically, that means showing a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or naturalization papers.  The Brennan Center for Justice recently found that over 21 Million Americans don’t have ready access to proof of citizenship documents.

Many states offer registration options beyond going in person to a municipal or county clerk’s office, including online registration and at the DMV.   We’ll discuss the perils of election day registration next week. 

We’ve linked to the rules and options for your state at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
National Conference of State Legislatures – Voter Registration Deadlines
Brennan Center for Justice – Millions of Americans Don’t Have Documents Proving Their Citizenship Readily Available

Groups Taking Action:
Rock the Vote, Mi Familia Vota, Black Voters Matter, League of Women Voters Vote 411,  Brennan Center for Justice, ACLU, Center for Voter Information, Native Vote, APIAVote

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