Voter registration deadline approaches in 15 states: How to make sure you are eligible to cast your ballot

With Election Day just over one month away, the deadline to sign up to cast a ballot in the November 5 election in more than a dozen states is quickly approaching.

Voters who want to participate in what could be one of the tightest and most consequential presidential elections in more than a generation might want to check their registration status or be sure to sign up in time.

While each state sets its own voter registration deadline, federal law dictates that states cannot set their voter registration deadline within thirty days of the election. But that window is quickly approaching. 

According to NCSL, fifteen states have deadlines 28 to 30 days out from the election which means some of those deadlines come as soon as Sunday, October 6. 

Here are the states with deadlines coming up: 

States have a variety of different ways people can register to vote including in-person, by mail and online. 

In many cases, the deadlines are the same no matter how one registers to vote, but it is not guaranteed in very case, so those registering should double check the deadline for their preferred option.

In some cases, states have earlier deadlines for mailing in voter registration forms or registering online but allow other options to register during early voting.

Registering to vote is incredibly easy. But because voter registration depends on the state, the best way to learn how to register is to check with the state in which on lives. 

Volunteers helping register voters in South Carolina on September 17, 2024

Websites like Vote.org, Vote411.org, and USA.gov help direct people to the most up-to-date information to register as well as check their voter status.

When it comes to registering, people can usually register online, print out the form and mail it in, or do so in person. 

Some places that may have already printed forms available aside from local election offices depending on the state may include public libraries, voter registration drives or Departments of Motor Vehicles. 

Be sure to check on required identification documentation depending on the state as well.

According to the NCSL, nineteen states and Washington, DC have same-day voter registration that allows people to sign up on Election Day and cast a ballot. 

Montana and North Carolina also offer same-day voter registration, but only during early voting, not on Election Day, November 5.