Registering to vote and finding your local polling stations

May 17, 2012, 8:10 a.m.

Two of the most important things to remember about your right to vote are that (1) you must complete voting registration with your local election board, and (2) voting must be done at assigned polling stations. All voting locations are designated in relation to your residential address.

(1) Registration

This is not difficult, however, each state will have different requirements for voter registration. The important thing to remember about voting registration is that in most states, pre-registering at least 15 to 30 days in advance of an election is usually acceptable. The states of Georgia and Nevada have an even earlier deadline that occurs about 5 weeks prior to an election day. Check online at http://register-vote.com/ to view a complete list of states and territories with their respective time limits for getting registered to vote.

(2) Polling Stations

Again, you are required to vote at the one and only polling station that has the record of your voter registration. You cannot go to any other station. Your particular voting location should be noted right on the voting registration card. If not, you can check with a local county clerk's office, a Secretary of State office, or the Board of Elections. You may also be able to find the right location at the last moment if you appear at a wrong station. Find your local polling station and election office information by state or territory online.

Other places to find information about upcoming elections include in the local newspapers, libraries or local schools. Always know where you are going in advance, and be sure to take your voter registration card along; you will be asked to present your card to vote.

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