So you’re moving to a new state, and you have a lot on your plate like planning, packing, loading and unloading, and much more. However, the 2020 presidential elections are right around the corner, and you need to know how to change your voter registration to vote for your preferred candidate. Though it might seem complicated, it’s not as hard as you think it would be. You need to understand the information and guidelines when it comes to voter registration after a long-distance move.
Voter Regulations
Before or after you get settled in your new home, you should familiarize yourself with the voter registration regulations in general and for your state specifically. Much like with what you need to rent an apartment, it can be a lot to follow with several different guidelines. Luckily, there are resources available, like a website or any government official’s offices, to help you get registered quickly and adequately. The bottom line is that you have to follow the correct instructions to make sure you’re able to practice your right to vote in the elections
Before You Vote
There are specific criteria that you have to meet to be eligible for registration. Since you’re moving long-distance, you have a lot to do, like planning your move to a new home to the smallest detail and getting packing materials for moving. For registering to vote, you need to know your new requirements. To be able to do that, it’s required by federal law that voters have to have a valid government-issued ID, such as driver’s license, state ID, etc.
Age Requirements to Register
For most states, to be able to vote in the elections for your preferred candidate, you must be at least 18 years or older for registering. At 18, voting is one of the most important things you do as a new adult, aside from moving out and getting higher education or other reasons to move out. At the age of 16 or 17, you can also apply to pre-register and when you turn 18, you’ll be able to vote during the next elections. Be sure to research information on your state’s voter registration age requirements or contact any local federal official’s office for help.
Voter Registration Regulations
Be sure to check your voter registration status and how to change it in this useful video:
How to Change Your Voter Registration – What You Need to Register to Vote
As we mentioned earlier, it’s prescribed by federal law that voters have to have a form of government ID to be eligible for registering. However, you’re moving to a new home in another state so that means you might have to get a new ID or driver’s license as most states require that you get a new ID. For example, Illinois requires that you have an Illinois-issued driver’s license three months after your moving day. You’ll have to update all of your information before or soon after your long-distance move. In this case, you can use other forms of identification as alternatives. However, if you don’t have either, you can use the following:
- A copy of your birth certificate
- US Military ID card
- US Passport
- Employee ID card
- Public benefit card
- Student ID card
Where to Change Your Registration
When looking to change your voter registration, there are several different places that you can typically go to. You can go to or contact your local DMV, election office, military recruitment office, or county public assistance office. Be sure to bring all of your criteria and information along with you.
Register Online
One of a few great resources is that you have websites for registering, where you can do it online. You can register in any state with your current address. You can visit an official voters registration website. This makes voting for your candidate much easier for you while you’re relocating.
By Mail or in Person
A mail-in vote or absentee ballot is an exceptionally convenient voting method, but it takes a bit longer than doing it online. A major plus is that you can do it while traveling or if you’re serving in the military. It’s also a much more secure way of making sure that you get registered and ensuring that your vote was counted. You simply contact your local post office and ask for help getting information on requirements for mail-in registering and absentee ballot for the elections. You can also visit the US postal service’s website for info as well.
Voter Registration Deadlines for Elections
Most states require you to register, at the very latest, a month before the election day. It can be tough to remember, mainly because you’re moving long-distance. There is a lot to do on your moving checklist, and we think that remembering to get registered might not be at the top of your list. Once you’ve gotten settled in, you’ll want to make sure you register as quickly as possible if you have time so you don’t miss out on voting. The best suggestion we can give you is to use this deadline to figure out when is the best time to move out.
Registration State-by-State
Because you’re moving cross country, you should know that when it comes to registering, each state has different regulations, requirements, and resources. Depending on where you’re moving, you’ll need to do research on information on what your requirements are. Be sure to do this as quickly as possible, so you don’t miss your chance for voting in this year’s elections and supporting your candidate or party. To help you get moved quicker, you should contact a reputable long distance moving company, so that you can get settled in your new home and dedicate your time to registering to vote. They can provide you with moving and some other helpful services, such as packing and even auto transport. Let professionals do the heavy lifting, and stress-free moving will be an attainable goal. Even with the administrative issue that’s ahead of you.
