National Voter Registration Day arrives every fourth Tuesday of September, a crucial civic observance dedicated to ensuring every eligible American can exercise their right to vote. Take action by checking your registration status, encouraging friends and family to register, and volunteering with local voter outreach efforts.
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National Voter Registration Day timeline
​President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law allowing people of color to vote without barriers to political involvement.
​Barbara Jordan and Andrew Young entered Congress as the first African-Americans elected since Reconstruction.
​Congress extended Section 5, a key part of the Voting Rights Act, for 25 more years.
​South Carolina's voter ID law, one of the most restrictive in the nation, would prohibit 180,000 African-Americans from voting.
​In the decision against Alabama's NAACP in Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court ruled that certain jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination did not have to get pre-approval for voting rule changes.
National Voter Registration Day FAQs
When is National Voter Registration Day?
National Voter Registration Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 22. This annual observance is a critical moment for civic engagement, encouraging millions to register or update their voter information.
How many unregistered voters are there in the U.S.?
Estimates vary, but millions of eligible Americans remain unregistered to vote. In 2026, National Voter Registration Day aims to significantly reduce this number by making the process accessible and straightforward for everyone.
Why is National Voter Registration Day important?
National Voter Registration Day is important because it centralizes and amplifies efforts to register eligible citizens, ensuring that more voices are represented in elections. In 2026, this focus is particularly vital ahead of upcoming local and state elections.
Who can register to vote in the U.S.?
In 2026, generally, any U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old by Election Day, a resident of the state where they are registering, and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction (rules vary by state) can register to vote.
National Voter Registration Day Activities
Pump it up with a rally
What's more American than a good old-fashioned rally? Get some speakers, throw in some entertainment and, of course, assemble voter registration tables. Make it a fun event with a purpose.
Volunteer to knock on doors
Walking the neighborhood is a great way to meet people. Remember, National Voter Registration Day is not about hyping any one party. It's about educating voters and getting out the vote. Plus, all the exercise is good for your thighs.
Volunteer
There are lots of ways to volunteer on National Voter Registration Day. Not only can you sign up voters, you can also create a social media page, design a flyer, or take a carpool of friends to an event. Be creative.
5 Facts About Voting That Will Make You Go "Hmmmm"
No idiots please
​Ohio's constitution bans "idiots" from voting according to Article V, Section 6 of the state constitution.
​George Washington campaigned with booze
​During his first legislative run, George Washington spent his campaign budget of 50 pounds on a round of election day drinks for his constituents.
​Voting, Texas-style
​As part of the Texas voter ID process, you can't vote with a student ID but if you show a gun license, you're good to go.
Those persevering Utah women
​Utah women voters were granted the right in 1870 — but it was revoked by Congress in 1887 — and re-instituted by the state in 1895.
​​You had to pay a tax to vote
​Poll taxes, started in the 1890s, legally kept southern African-Americans from voting by making them pay for the right.
Why We Love National Voter Registration Day
Time to celebrate our democratic heritage.
National Voter Registration Day has volunteers out en masse with voter registration activities at school, in the workplace, and in your neighborhoods. For one whole day, volunteers and various organizations collaborate by setting up registration tables, knocking on doors or producing social and mass media awareness campaigns over the importance of registering to vote. National Voter Registration Day makes an all-out effort to register the tens of thousands of Americans who can make a difference at the ballot box.
Don't hate—celebrate
National Voter Registration Day discourages political voter rage in favor of voter celebration. Imagine over 10,000 volunteers working together one full day to educate Americans on one of our most precious rights — the right to vote. In 2016, 750,00 voters registered on National Voter Registration Day. With so many world citizens denied this basic right, promoting our core democratic values, voting, should give all Americans something to cheer about on National Voter Registration Day.
It educates Americans on voting rights
National Voter Registration Day reminds and educates American on the voter requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a current resident of your state. When you see a National Voter Registration Day table or volunteer, you can do more than just register. You can confirm your polling place, update your registration details, or just get information if it all seems a little over your head. Voting — it's all good!
National Voter Registration Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 16 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
