Register to Vote - It's Simple and Free!

During times of big presidential elections, we hear "register and vote" as campaigns kick off all over the country. But what happens next? We register, we vote... is that good enough?

I am not sure if you need to hear this but its a truth that needs repeating, "you will be a registered voter and (hopefully) will be voting the rest of your life." Talk about commitment! Good news, registering to vote is the first step you can make to become an involved and aware citizen for brighter futures. Want change? This is how to do it.

The general requirements for voting in your local, state and federal elections are:

• You have to be a U.S. Citizen

• You are at least 18 years old before or on Election Day

• You meet the guidelines of your state's residency requirements

Some important things to know:

• Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections.

• You can be houseless and still vote - check this resource for more information.

• Most states allow you the option to register to vote even if you are not 18 yet - just as long as you are 18 years old by Election Day.

• There is a deadline to register before the election - check your state here to see when those deadline dates are for your state.

• If you have prior felonies or criminal charges, those may affect your eligibility - it is safe to review this information by the US Department of Justice to see the laws in your state

• You meet your state's residency requirements - this can change state to state but most are pretty similar- to make it easy, here is a good resource to check your state.

Additional Resources for Registering to Vote are:

• Rock the Vote

• U.S. Government

• Vote.org

There, you are more a more-informed, registered citizen of society! Great work, the first step is done. Now, lets get to the polls- here's where they are.