Every citizen of the United States has an important responsibility to vote, but you must be registered to vote.

As outlined in Article I and Article II of the Constitution, states run both federal and state elections.

Registration requirements vary from state to state, so the best way to find out about your state’s specific election rules, contact your state or local election office.

Every state (except for North Dakota) requires voter registration. The basic steps are the same in most states.

Before Election Day

Register to vote

Most states provide three different ways for you to register to vote:

Online visit https://vote.gov/

This official U.S. government website allows you to download your state’s required registration form. Just be sure to postmark or deliver the completed form before the deadline.

Visit the DMV

You can register to vote while applying for or renewing a driver’s license.

Visit you state/local election office.

Complete and submit the form there. Not sure where your office is, click here: https://www.usa.gov/election-office

In some states you may be able to register through Armed Services Recruitment Centers and state or county public assistance offices (SNSP/food stamps, WIC, services for the disabled.

If you are overseas or in the military you may be able to register to vote and request an absentee ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program: https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting#item-37337

Study the issues and the candidates

An educated citizenry is vital to the survival of a free people.

Since “we the people” choose our leaders and often vote on certain ballot measures, it is imperative that we take our voting responsibility seriously. Here are a few things each person should do to become an “educated voter.”

Know who is running for office

Research their views and positions on the issues. If they are running for re-election, consider their record—how have they governed so far. You can visit candidates’ websites for information but check other sources too. Some organizations produce “voter guides” that you may find helpful. Find out if there are going to be any debates and take time to watch them.

Know what measures will be on the ballot

You can contact your state election office (see directory at the end of this article), to find out what measures will appear on your local ballot. Many states and/or newspapers provide a sample ballot weeks before the election so that you can study the issues before you head to the polls.

Find out the location for your polling place

Contact your state election office (see directory at the end of this article), to find out where you will need to go on election day to cast your vote. Some states have ballot drop sites instead of polling places.

On Election Day

Election day in the United States is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This means it can fall on or between November 2 and November 8.

Bring the required identification

Because voter identification laws vary from state to state be sure you know what kind of ID you will need to bring in order to cast your vote.

You can contact your state or local election office or visit the link below for an interactive map that details each states voter ID laws.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx