HOW TO CHANGE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION IN THE MILITARY

The needs of the military come first, which is why moving around remains a common theme among the American Armed Forces. However, one of the most important freedoms service members continue to defend is the right to vote. So it only makes sense that the military community stays on top of understanding how to change their voter registration. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re PCSing around an election.

Changing Your Name or Address on Your Voter Registration

If you are PCSing, you have to change your voter registration when you move. Here’s how you can do so if you have a new address or name:

• Head to vote.gov to find where you live.

• Each state has different rules, including deadlines. However, you’ll find your state’s specific change process, which may include options to do so online, by mail, over the phone, or in person at your local election office.

• Depending on where you live, you may need to re-register and/or use a special form to report any changes to your information.

Canceling Your Voter Registration Status

For the most part, you don’t have to worry about canceling your voter registration after you move; however, if you do live in a county or state that does, these forms are available at state and local election offices.

Voter Registration Status Change Deadlines

Keep in mind that if you want to change your voter registration status, it’s important to plan ahead.

Most states have deadlines and they vary depending on where you live on when you can change your voter registration status.

To learn more about which deadlines apply to your state, click the link to find which date applies to you.

Changing Political Parties

If you’re PCSing, or if you just want to make a change, some states allow you to change your political party affiliation online. Furthermore, you can also do this at your state election office.

Although some states ask you when you register to vote and your party may be on your voter registration card, you don’t have to choose a party if you don’t want to.

Furthermore, you don’t have to state which party you’re in when registering to vote.

Also, just because you pick a certain party, doesn’t mean that’s the only one you can vote for. You’re free to choose whichever party you’d like when you vote in a general election.

However, in a primary election, you can only vote for your party.

Absentee Ballots

For the military community, you may find yourself in need of absentee ballots. This includes if you are stationed outside of the United States.

Furthermore, when in the military, service members may need to change their voter registration status.

If this applies to you, contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), an initiative from the DoD, that helps secure absentee ballots, educate communities, and protect the rights of the military community when it comes to voting.

Updating Your Voter Registration Through the Mail

If you live in New Hampshire, North Dakota, or Wyoming, this doesn’t apply to you; however, all other states allow voters to use the National Mail Voter Registration Form via the mail.

Simply download the form, fill it out, and mail it to the address found under State Instructions that match the state you live in to change your voter registration status.

Sources:

USAGov. Accessed October 2024.

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