Download One-pager
As you’re out in the field registering voters, we’ve put together a quick one-pager to keep on hand. It includes recommendations for navigating issues that may come up with registering voters and managing volunteers, as well as a quick list of the top questions prospective voters may ask. Be sure to save this pager or download the one-pager to your phone/tablet for easy reference. As always, feel free to reach out to us directly at info@nationalvoterregistrationday.org. Thank you!
Navigating Common Issues That May Arise While Registering Voters
| Shortage of Committed Volunteers | Running Out of Materials | Encountering Confrontation |
| Don’t panic! Available volunteers should be asked to play a few different roles on the day of your event.
Even if you have just one volunteer, you can divide and conquer. Just do your best! |
If you are doing paper-based voter registration and run out of forms, you have two options:
If you have a tablet on hand, be sure to keep the online voter registration page open for easy access. While additional infrastructure is in place for the anticipated traffic, if the site is slow or unresponsive, try vote.gov as an alternative. |
The best tactic when encountering confrontation is to stay positive and focus your efforts on registering voters, recognizing you may need to politely disengage.
Emphasize that National Voter Registration Day is wholly nonpartisan, and the goal of the day is to help expand voter registration for all eligible citizens, regardless of political preference. |
If a person chooses to register at a later date, be sure to share the voter registration deadlines for your state and encourage them to register prior to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to update my registration if I just moved across town?
A: Even if you move WITHIN the same county, you should update your voter registration with your new address, as your polling place may have changed. Better to be sure than to face challenges on voting day, having to vote provisionally or go to a different location!
Q: Can I register to vote if I don’t have a state-issued ID?
A: While many states may require a photo ID to cast a vote, you do not need one to register. If you don’t have a photo ID, you can use your social security number.
Q: Can I register to vote at my college address if I’m living on campus?
A: Yes, and it’s generally recommended to “vote where you live.” You can list your on-campus residence for the street address, which will determine where you vote. Since residency laws differ from state to state, be sure to check with the Campus Vote Project for more information on what your state allows.
Q: Can I register to vote if I’ve been convicted of a crime or spent time in prison?
A: Once those who have had involvement with the justice system have finished serving the prescribed prison sentence, this generally has NO effect on registering to vote. Check this guide for state-specific information.
Q: Can I register to vote if I don’t have a permanent address?
A: It is recommended that unhoused persons use the address of a shelter where they can receive mail. Alternatively, a street corner or park can be listed as the residence. Learn more…
Q: If I am a survivor of domestic violence, can I keep my voter registration address private?
A: In most states, yes. Address confidentiality and confidential voter listings are programs administered by states that enable survivors of domestic violence to register while maintaining the confidentiality of their address. The National Network to End Domestic Violence provides a list of currently available programs by state.
Q: Can I change my party affiliation?
A: Yes! Simply complete the voter registration form and select the political party of your choice.
Q: What party should I select?
A: We’re a nonpartisan effort so we can’t suggest what party to select. That is completely up to you, and can be changed at any time by updating your voter registration just like we’re doing today.
Q: Aren’t you really just trying to register more [insert political party here]?
A: National Voter Registration Day is an annual event in its eleventh year. It is completely nonpartisan, with steering committee leadership from secretaries of state from both parties, and is endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Association of State Election Directors, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and the National Association of Election Officials. You can learn more at NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org.
Q: How can I trust that my information won’t be misused?
A: Your information will only be used for the purposes of voter registration. After the event, your voter registration will be mailed off to the appropriate Board of Elections.
Q: What happens now?
A: Now that you’ve registered to vote, you’ll receive a confirmation in the mail from your local Elections office in the coming weeks with your voter registration card and your polling site.