The Sabre's Voter Registration Guide
“The antidote to government by the powerful few is democracy by the organized many.” This quote from former President Barack Obama stresses the importance for everyone to vote, especially those frustrated with those who are currently in power. Election Day is Nov. 6, but before you can vote, you have to register to vote. If you’re 18 years old, a US citizen, and you haven’t registered yet, find your state or district below to learn how to register.
District of Columbia
You can register to vote online as long as your request is received by 4:45 pm on Oct. 16. You can also register in person up to and including Election Day.
First-time voters will need proof of residency. This can be a driver’s license or non-driving state ID, or alternatively a paycheck, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your name and address, dated within 90 days of Nov. 6. If you apply by mail or online, a copy of one of these documents must either be attached to the application or presented when you vote in person.
You should receive a voter registration card from the DC Board of Elections (DCBOE). This will speed up the process on Election Day. You MUST vote at your designated polling place, determined by your home address. Click here to find out where to go.
For more information or support, visit the DCBOE website , or call 202-727-2525.
Maryland
You can register to vote in advance up until Oct. 16. If you miss that cutoff, you can still be registered during the early voting period of Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
First-time voters will need proof of residency. This can be a driver’s license or non-driving state ID, or alternatively a paycheck, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your name and address, dated within three months of Nov. 6. Online registrants will need either the MVA to have their information (name, DOB, ID number) already on file from driving license, learner’s permit, or non driving state ID applications; or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
You should receive a voter registration card from the Maryland State Board of Elections. This will speed up the process on Election Day. You MUST vote at your designated polling place, determined by your home address. Click here to find out where to go.
For more information or support, visit the Maryland Voting Services website.
Virginia
Virginia residents must register by Oct. 15. Mail-in applications must be RECEIVED, not just postmarked, before that date. This includes online applications; online applications essentially assist you in filling out the mail-in form, but you still have to mail it to your local voter registration office.
You’ll need your Social Security Number for all applications. For online applications, the state DMV must have an electronic copy of your signature on record, so you must hold either a Virginia driver’s license or a non-driving state ID.
If you need more help, or want to help someone outside of the DMV area get registered, Vote.org and DMV.org have resources for residents of any state.
