Your First Vote Starts Here
You don't have to wait until you're 18 to get ready. Here's everything you need to know — in plain language, no jargon.
allow pre-registration at 16 or 17
first-time voters turn 18 every election cycle
many local elections are decided by fewer than 100 votes
Pre-Register Now — Vote the Moment You Turn 18
43 states let you pre-register before you turn 18. When your birthday hits, your registration is already active — no extra steps needed. It takes about 5 minutes.
- Takes about 5 minutes online
- Automatically activates when you turn 18
- Available in 43 states + D.C.
- You can use your school address or home address
What to Expect on Your First Election Day
Voting for the first time can feel intimidating. It isn't. Here's exactly what happens when you walk into a polling place.
- 1Find your polling place at your state's election website (or on the State Resources page).
- 2Bring your ID if your state requires it. Check in advance — requirements vary.
- 3Give your name to the poll worker. They'll check you in and hand you a ballot.
- 4Mark your choices privately in a booth. You can vote in as many or as few races as you want.
- 5Submit your ballot. You're done. You voted.
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Civics Quiz
Four questions. No grade. Just a quick way to check what you know — and learn something new before Election Day.
At what age can most Americans vote in federal elections?
Common Questions
Questions Young Voters Ask
How to Pre-Register to Vote
43 states let you pre-register before you turn 18. It takes about 5 minutes and means you're automatically ready to vote the moment you're eligible.
Check if your state allows it
43 states and D.C. offer pre-registration for 16- or 17-year-olds. A few states allow it at 16, most at 17. Head to the State Resources page and look up your state to confirm.
Check your stateGather what you need
You'll typically need your full legal name, date of birth, home address, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or your state ID number). Have these ready before you start.
Fill out the form online
Most states have an online pre-registration portal — it takes about 5 minutes. Some states still require a paper form. Your state's election website will tell you which applies.
Watch for your confirmation
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation by mail or email. Keep it. When you turn 18, your registration automatically becomes active — no extra steps needed.
What happens when you turn 18?
Your pre-registration automatically converts to a full voter registration. You don't need to do anything else. Just show up on Election Day — you're already registered.
Ready to find your state's pre-registration link?
Every state is different. Find yours and get started in under 5 minutes.