Register to Vote
Am I registered?
Whether you don’t remember if you’re registered to vote or you’re worried your name was removed from the registered voters list (not as uncommon as you might think), it’s always a good idea to check your registration status. The process is quick and easy, so check and double check now!
I need to register.
TurboVote is a guided registration website made specifically for Williams College students to help you register to vote and apply for absentee ballots in minutes. After registration, they continue to keep you up to date with upcoming deadlines and important changes. Whenever you’re ready, start the process below!
FAQs
Q: What information do I need to register to vote?
A: For most states, you need an address (cannot a PO box) and either a valid driver’s license number or a social security number. When you register through Turbovote, you will be taken through your state’s specific requirements.
Q: What if I don’t have a driver’s license or a social security number?
A: For most states, you are still able to register by indicating on the form that you have neither identification numbers. Some states may require additional documentation.
Q: Where should I register to vote?
A: You can use either your home address or your Williams mailbox address, and request an absentee ballot for each election while you’re at school. If you can’t decide on which, it’s a good idea to consider these questions: Is your home state a swing state? How easy is it to obtain an absentee ballot from your home state compared to Massachusetts? Do you need/want to change your registered address after graduation?
Q: How early do I need to be registered to vote in the November general election?
A: The voter registration deadlines vary for each state. Check out our list below to find your state’s deadline for 2020.
Q: What is an absentee ballot and how is it different from registering to vote?
A: Voting with an absentee ballot allows you to cast a vote for the elections relevant to your home address while you are unable or unwilling to vote in person. For most states, you must request an absentee ballot before every election.
Q: How and when should I request an absentee ballot?
A: The deadlines and processes to request an absentee ballot are different for each state (and are different from the registration deadlines as well). When you register through Turbovote, you will be walked through your state’s specific requirements, or if you would like to learn more, navigate to the first section in our resources page for the most up-to-date information.
Check out the Resources page to learn more about any questions you may have.
Updated Registration Deadlines for Each State
State | Registration Deadline |
Alabama | October 19 |
Alaska | October 4 |
Arizona | October 5 |
Arkansas | October 5 |
California | October 19 |
Colorado | October 26 |
Connecticut | October 27 |
Delaware | October 10 |
District of Columbia | October 13 |
Florida | October 5 |
Georgia | October 5 |
Hawaii | October 5 |
Idaho | October 9 |
Illinois | October 6 (mail), October 18 (online) |
Indiana | October 5 |
Iowa | October 24 |
Kansas | October 13 |
Kentucky | October 5 |
Louisiana | October 5 (mail), October 13 (online) |
Maine | October 13 |
Maryland | October 13 |
Massachusetts | October 24 |
Michigan | October 19 |
Minnesota | October 13 |
Mississippi | October 5 |
Missouri | October 7 |
Montana | October 24 |
Nebraska | October 16 |
Nevada | October 6 (mail), October 29 (online) |
New Hampshire | October 21-28 |
New Jersey | October 13 |
New Mexico | October 6 |
New York | October 9 |
North Carolina | October 9 |
North Dakota | —– |
Ohio | October 5 |
Oklahoma | October 9 |
Oregon | October 13 |
Pennsylvania | October 19 |
Rhode Island | October 4 |
South Carolina | October 5 (mail), October 4 (online) |
South Dakota | October 19 |
Tennessee | October 5 |
Texas | October 5 |
Utah | October 23 |
Vermont | November 3 |
Virginia | October 13 |
Washington | October 26 |
West Virginia | October 13 |
Wisconsin | October 14 |
Wyoming | October 19 |
If you have any further questions, worries, or comments, contact us at ephvotes@williams.edu. We’ll try our best to help you, or if we can’t, we’ll direct you to someone who can.