Registering to vote can be done in one of three ways; online, through a voter registration drive or paper voter registration form. Online registration eligibility is determined by state of residence and where intended registration is occurring. For students who are Colorado residents, as well as those from most other states, this process can be completed online through the Colorado Secretary of State website (or, if from another state, on a site such as vote.gov) and requires a few pieces of information including first and last name, birthday, identification (valid driver’s license or social security number) and both a residential and mailing address if the two differ. Later on in the registration, an opportunity to affiliate with a political party is also provided if one chooses to do so. Affiliation means that you choose to register as a supporter or member of a specific political party and will mean that you have the chance to vote in that party’s primary elections.

When online, the voter registration websites also provide the opportunity to have a paper voter registration form mailed directly to you which can then be completed and mailed to your County Clerk and Recorder. A paper voter registration form can also be picked up from your county’s election office, library, U.S. post office or Department of Motor Vehicles office. Voter registration forms can be submitted in person to your local election office, rather than through mailing, if preferred.

Voter registration drives are another method of registration that requires you to fill out a paper registration form. These drives are typically organized by non-profit organizations in the community who can be campaigning for a specific cause, but they allow an accessible method to register. The process takes a few minutes, filling out a paper voter registration form with the same information as gathered online or on other paper voter registration forms. With this method of registration, those working the voter registration drive will take your forms to the proper office for you.

To be eligible for voter registration, one must be a U.S. citizen, meet any state requirements for registration and be 18 years of age by the date of the election. Specifically for Colorado voting, one must also have lived in this state for at least 22 days prior to election. Registration also requires the individual to not be currently serving a detention sentence or parole for a felony conviction. Also, note that votes are only valid if they are cast for the state and county in which one is registered. The information in this article is specific to guidelines for voter registration in Colorado, but specifications for other states can be readily accessible online if choosing to register and vote in another state.

Voting is an opportunity for citizens to have a say in the workings of state and local governments and can play an influential role in how our society runs. Registering to vote is the first step in having your voice heard.