National Mail Voter Registration Forms and state-specific instructions
Who can use the National Mail Voter Registration Form?
Any U.S. citizen residing in 46 states and the District of Columbia (all states except New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming may use this form). New Hampshire accepts the form only as a request for their own absentee voter mail-in registration form. Wisconsin accepts the form only as a request for their own absentee voter mail-in registration form or for the purposes of directing a person to their online voter registration system.
Uniformed service members and overseas voters should not use this form to register to vote. You may visit www.fvap.gov to access the newest Federal Post Card Application. For more information, please contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) at (800) 438-8683.
Do I need to show identification when I vote if I register using the National Mail Voter Registration Form?
If you are voting for the first time in your state and registered by mail, federal law may require you to show proof of identification the first time you vote in a federal election. This proof of identification includes showing the following (or if voting a mail ballot, including a COPY of the following):
- A current and valid photo identification; OR
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
Federal law does not require you to show proof of identification at the polling location or when voting a mail ballot if (1) you provided a copy of one of the above with your National Mail Voter Registration Form; or (2) your voter registration form has been validated by an election official; or (3) you are entitled by federal law to vote by absentee ballot. Please note that individual states may have additional voter identification requirements.
Which part of the National Mail Voter Registration Form do I need to mail in?
Only the one-page application needs to be submitted.
What can I do if my National Mail Voter Registration Form is rejected?
If you feel your voter registration form was rejected incorrectly, contact your local elections office. You may also contact the voting section of the Department of Justice at (800) 253-3931, or your state’s Attorney General’s office.
How can I be sure my voter registration was processed, and I’m registered to vote?
After you submit your voter registration application, you may receive a confirmation from your local elections office that you are registered. If you do not receive a confirmation, contact your local elections office before the registration deadline to confirm you are registered.
Can the National Mail Voter Registration Form be photocopied?
Yes. States that accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form will allow for copies of the form printed on regular paper stock to be submitted.
Can my organization provide only the application portion of the National Mail Voter Registration Form and supply the instructions separately as hand-outs or on posters?
You may produce a supply of only the voter registration applications printed either on card stock or on 8.5' x 11’ regular weight paper. Include envelopes for regular weight applications. The general and state instructions may be photocopied and handed out with each application, or enlarged and posted at the registration site.
I’m organizing a massive voter registration drive. Is there a limit to the number of applications I can print or photocopy?
No. Organizations may print or make as many photocopies of the National Mail Voter Registration Form as they would like. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of completed applications an organization may submit to local elections offices. However, organizations should make sure all submitted voter registration applications are filled out legibly and completely and are delivered to the appropriate local elections offices timely.
Some states require registration and training to conduct voter registration drives. Visit eac.gov/vote for quick links to your state or territory’s elections website to find more information.
Can my organization mail the completed forms we receive from our registration drive, or do the applicants need to mail them personally? If we can mail them, do they have to be individually stamped or can they be bundled?
An organization may mail completed voter registration applications to the appropriate elections office(s) individually or in a bundle. Organizations should check with their state or local elections offices about the laws and deadlines regarding the timing of the mailing.
Can't find what you are looking for?
- Visit the National Mail Voter Registration Form page
- Contact the EAC