National Voter Registration Day: Helping Neighbors Register Without Taking Sides

National Voter Registration Day is observed on the fourth Tuesday of September. It is a non-partisan effort to make sure every eligible person has the chance to register and to keep their registration up to date. With fall elections approaching, September is a natural time to help neighbors, friends and family get ready.

Helping people register is one of the simplest and most valuable civic contributions you can make. It is also important to do it fairly. This guide focuses on practical, strictly non-partisan ways to help, with no candidates, parties or positions involved.

Why Registration Matters

In most places, people must be registered before they can vote. Many people who intend to vote run into trouble because they moved and did not update their address, changed their name, turned eighteen recently or simply assumed they were already registered. A little help ahead of time can prevent frustration later.

Who Might Need to Register or Update

• Young people who recently turned or will soon turn eighteen
• Anyone who has moved, even to a different apartment in the same building
• People who changed their name
• College students deciding where to register
• New citizens who were recently naturalized
• People who have not voted in a while and are unsure of their status

Know the Basics in Your State

Rules differ from state to state across New England, so always confirm current information with official sources. In Massachusetts, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Elections Division and your city or town clerk’s office are the official sources for registration rules, deadlines and forms. In other states, check with the secretary of state’s office and local election officials.

Some general points that often apply in Massachusetts:

• Residents can register online if they have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID, or by mail or in person.
• Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds can preregister so they are ready to vote once they turn eighteen.
• There is a registration deadline before each election. Check the exact date for the upcoming election with official sources.

Because details can change, always point people to official websites and offices rather than relying on memory.

Step One: Check Your Own Registration

The best place to start is with yourself. Many states, including Massachusetts, offer an online tool to check whether you are registered and where you vote. Confirm your name, address and polling place. Then you can help others do the same.

Step Two: Offer Simple Help to Neighbors

Many people appreciate a friendly reminder and a little guidance. Ideas include:

1. Share a reminder. Post a non-partisan note on your building bulletin board or in a neighborhood newsletter with the official registration website and the deadline.
2. Help with the online form. Offer to sit with a neighbor while they check or update their registration on their own device.
3. Provide paper forms. Mail-in registration forms are often available at city and town halls, libraries and other public offices.
4. Help new movers. When welcoming new neighbors, mention that they may need to update their voter registration.
5. Remind young people. Encourage teenagers to preregister or register when eligible.

Staying Strictly Non-Partisan

Registration help should never be connected to any candidate, party or ballot position. Keeping it neutral builds trust and makes everyone feel welcome.

• Do not wear campaign buttons or clothing while helping.
• Do not discuss how someone should vote or which party to choose.
• Explain party enrollment options neutrally if asked, including the option to remain unenrolled, and let the person decide.
• Use only official, non-partisan materials.
• Help anyone who asks, regardless of their views.

Respecting Privacy

Registration forms include personal information. Treat it with care.

• Let people fill out forms themselves whenever possible.
• Do not take photos of completed forms or IDs.
• If you offer to deliver a paper form, follow official rules about returning it promptly and correctly, or encourage people to submit it themselves.
• Never pressure anyone to register or share why they choose not to.

Hosting a Registration Table

Community groups sometimes host voter registration tables at libraries, community events or farmers markets. If you plan to organize one:

1. Check with your local election office about rules for registration drives.
2. Get permission from the location host.
3. Use official forms and information.
4. Keep the table free of campaign materials.
5. Offer information in multiple languages if possible.
6. Have a list of official contacts for questions you cannot answer.

Answering Common Questions

• “Am I registered?” Point them to the official online lookup or their city or town clerk.
• “I moved. What do I do?” They likely need to update their address. Official sources explain how.
• “Where do I vote?” Polling places are listed on official election websites and through local clerks.
• “Can I vote early or by mail?” Many states offer options. Direct them to official information for the upcoming election.

If you do not know an answer, say so and help them find the official source. Accurate information matters more than a quick answer.

Supporting Neighbors With Accessibility Needs

People with disabilities, older adults and people with limited English may need extra support. Election offices can often provide accessible forms and information in multiple languages. Offer to help someone contact their clerk’s office, and be patient.

A Lasting Civic Habit

Helping neighbors register is a small act that strengthens the whole community. When everyone who is eligible has a fair chance to participate, local democracy works better for all of us.