“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”
That proverb comes to mind when I think about voter registration. The earlier you register, the stronger your voice will be when it counts most. Yet every election cycle, too many people wait until the last minute, assuming they can rely on same-day registration or slip in before the deadline. That gamble leaves far too many sidelined-on Election Day.
What many people don’t realize is that registration deadlines vary dramatically by state. According to the Brennan Center, in nearly half the country, the deadline falls 30 days before the election, which typically means early October for November elections. Several other states have registration deadlines 15 to 20 days ahead of the election. Miss it, and you’ve missed your chance to cast a ballot.
Early Registration Matters
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only 23 states plus Washington, D.C., currently allow same-day registration, which lets people register or update their registration at polling sites on Election Day. But even in those states, the option should be seen as a safeguard or last resort, rather than a strategy. Long lines on Election Day often grow even longer when poll workers have to process last-minute registrations, creating unnecessary barriers for everyone.
Another reason to register early is the same reason voting early makes sense. We don’t know what Election Day, or your state’s voter registration, deadline may hold. A major storm, medical emergency, or a phone call from your kid’s school may throw your day into a tailspin. When that happens, voting or getting that registration in before the deadline often drops by the wayside. Or maybe things get busy, and you just forget. Get it done early to ensure your voice is not lost come Election Day.
Registering early also ensures that you receive the most accurate information about where and how to vote. Your registration record is how election officials know which ballot you receive and which polling location is yours. If your address isn’t up to date, you may find yourself standing in the wrong line or scrambling to fix your record under pressure.
Keep Information Up to Date
In states such as California and Colorado, that automatically send mail ballots to every registered voter, an outdated registration means your ballot might never reach you. Over the past decade, more than two million mail ballots nationwide were classified as undeliverable because they were sent to the wrong address, according to the Public Interest Legal Foundation. That is a problem we can easily prevent by checking our registrations now, rather than later.
There is another benefit to registering early that too often goes unmentioned. Campaigns, nonprofits, and community groups rely on updated voter rolls to share critical nonpartisan resources — voter guides, polling place information, and explanations of what’s on the ballot. These materials are typically distributed well before Election Day. If you wait to register until the very end, you may never receive the information that helps you make a confident, informed choice at the polls.
A Big Impact
Registering to vote takes only a few minutes, but those few minutes can save you hours in line and, more importantly, secure your voice in our democracy. As we head into another high-stakes election season, the lesson is simple: don’t wait. Register today or double-check that your information is current if you have moved or changed your name. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. The health of our democracy depends on preparation, and preparation begins with registering early.
