voterregistration

Voter registration is the process by which eligible residents enroll with a government authority to be listed on a voter roll for elections. Registration confirms eligibility to vote and helps maintain accurate records of who may cast a ballot. In many jurisdictions, voters must register before they can vote, with deadlines that vary by region and election.

Most registrations require information such as name, date of birth, address, citizenship status, and sometimes ID numbers. Some jurisdictions require proof of address or identity. Registrations can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at designated offices. After submission, records are stored in voter rolls and may be verified; updates are needed when a voter moves, changes name, or becomes ineligible.

Registration systems differ internationally. Some countries automatically register eligible residents, others require voluntary registration, some allow same-day or conditional registration on election day. In others, voter rolls are periodically purged to remove those who have moved or died. These practices can affect turnout and accessibility, and are subject to policy debates about security and integrity and about reducing barriers to participation.

Reforms aimed at expanding participation include automatic voter registration, online registration, and same-day or pre-registration for younger citizens. Opponents point to concerns about fraud and data privacy; proponents emphasize easier access and more accurate rolls.

Historically, expansion of registration has accompanied broader suffrage movements and civil rights reforms, with variation by country and by jurisdiction.