Register to Vote in the U.S. Presidential Election 2016

American citizens are still able to register for the U.S. Presidential Election 2016. Note that the elections are run under the Articles I and II of the American Constitution. However, each state operates according to their own regulations. Consequently, all election governance, requirements, limitations, and final registration dates vary, depending on the unique rules of each individual state.

Registering to vote in the U.S. Presidential Election 2016 online or in person

All American citizens who meet their state’s eligibility requirements can register to vote either online or in person. Over 31 states have implemented an online voting system. To register online, go to www.vote.gov. Remember that registering online does not mean your vote will be submitted electronically. Those who decide to register online will be required to either fill out the onscreen voting form or print it blank and handwrite all the required details. Whichever option you select, you must sign the election form, before mailing it to the local office, specified on the above-mentioned Government website.

Should you wish to register in person, locate your closest state or local election office.

Registering to vote overseas

This section refers only to U.S. citizens living overseas as well as to all service members or the close relatives of service members. The U.S. Government website offers various options to those who wish to register to vote overseas and request an absentee ballot.

Who can and can’t vote in the U.S. elections

All American citizens who are over the age of 18 can vote in the U.S. elections, as long as they meet their state’s residency requirements. As already mentioned above, the election rules of each state are managed independently. Furthermore, some states have special residential requirements, which might enable people who are homeless to vote.

Green Card holders are official permanent residents of the United States, with the right to work and remain in the country. However, they cannot take part of the U.S. elections. All Green Card holders will be granted this right once they obtain an American passport and become official American citizens.

Furthermore, U.S. citizens with a criminal record might not be able to take part in the voting process. Whether or not they can do so depends completely on the elections rules, set by each state. For more detailed information on felon voting rights, visit the Government website. Americans who have been judicially determined to be of “unsound mind” might not be eligible to vote.

What happens after registering for the U.S. 2016 Presidential Elections

After completing your online voting registration, you will receive a confirmation notification. Please, make sure to contact your state or local office, should you not receive any notification, after fully completing the registration process.

It is recommended to verify your registration information such as your personal details, residential address as well as the political party selected. In case you wish to change or edit your personal data, you may do so by accessing the Government Can I Vote web page.

It is important to check your registration information in order to make sure you have correctly input all personal details. Many simple errors are made due to being in a hurry or overlooking the original application. What is more, by double checking your application you can ensure the registration was not purged by mistake by your state.