National Mail Voter Registration Form Lawyers

The right to vote in political elections in the United States is guaranteed to all citizens over the age of 18 years regardless of their:

• Race;
• Religion;
• Sex; or
• Sexual orientation.

Can Anyone Living in the United States Cast a Ballot?

Only United States citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. Non-citizens are not authorized to cast ballots in these elections.

It is important to note that different laws apply to non-citizens voting in state and local elections. Any non-citizen who attempts to cast a ballot in a federal election may face federal criminal penalties.

Can Voting Rights be Revoked?

Occasionally, an individual’s voting rights may be temporarily revoked. This applies to individuals who have been convicted of a felony charge.

Following a felony conviction, an individual cannot cast a ballot for a predetermined time. Typically, the individual’s ability to vote can be restored after a certain amount of time has passed or after the individual fulfills the court’s requirements.

In some extreme cases, the right to may be lost permanently. In certain states, the right to vote is not restored immediately.

For an individual to have their constitutional voting rights restored, they must file a formal request with the court.

What Is the National Mail Voter Registration Form?

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may be used to:

• Register a United States citizen to vote;
• Update registration information due to a change of name;
• Make a change of address; or
• Register with a political party.

The National Mail Voter Registration Form allows an individual to register to vote from anywhere in the United States. There are four parts to the National Mail Voter Registration Form, which include:

• The Application itself;
• The General Application;
• The Application Instructions; and
• The State Instructions.

It is important to note that an individual must follow the state-specific instructions provided for their state. These instructions will begin on page 3 of the form.

The state-specific instructions are listed alphabetically by state. After an individual completes the form, they must sign their name where indicated and send it to their state or local election office for processing.

It is also important to ensure that an individual mails the form in an envelope with the proper postage amount. The National Mail Voter Registration Form also includes voter registration rules and regulations for each state and territory.

Individuals who need more information about registering to vote can contact their state election office. This form can be downloaded in 21 languages.

It is important to note that an individual cannot be registered to vote in more than one location at a time. Every state has its own deadline regarding when an individual can register to vote.

What Are the Uses of the Form?

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may be used to:

• Register out-of-town tourist and convention groups;
• Register those from surrounding States who work, shop, or attend events in a central city;
• Conduct voter registration drives, for example, at colleges; and
• Register individuals at State agencies or other public offices.

Those states that accept this form will accept copies of the application that are:

• Printed from the computer image on regular paper stock;
• Signed by the applicant; and
• Mailed with first-class postage.

Some states do not use the National Form, including:

• North Dakota: Does not have voter registration;
• Wyoming: Does not accept the National Form by state law; and
• New Hampshire: Town and city clerks will accept the Form only as a request for their own mail-in absentee voter registration form.

It is important to note that an individual should not use this form if they live outside of the United States and its territories and have no legal address in the U.S. In addition, this form should not be used by individuals in the military and are stationed away from home.

In these situations, an individual should use the Federal Postcard Application that is available to them from:

• Military bases;
• American embassies; or
• Consular offices.

What Should I Do If I Want to Organize a Voter Registration Drive?

Typically, it is at the discretion of the chief election official in the state to determine how many voter registration forms are distributed to a single organization. In many states, the number of forms will be distributed based upon:

• The size of the target population;
• The method of distribution;
• The number of individuals who the organization registers in any previous drive; and
• Other factors.

Tax dollars pay for voter registration forms. Because of this, an organization should only request a realistic number of forms.

In addition, the organizations themselves may mail in Voter Registration Forms.

What is Leave for Voting?

It is every citizen’s civic responsibility to vote. Under state laws, employers are required to allow their employees to take time off of work so that they can vote.

It is important to note, however, that no federal laws govern this issue. State law may provide that an employer must provide some time off for an employee to go to the polls.

Will I Still Get Paid and Can I Get Fired?

In some states, employees who take time off to vote must still be paid. Other states provide that employees must be given time off to vote but do not have to be paid.

Most states prohibit employers from disciplining or terminating an employee for leaving to vote. Some state laws require an employee to prove that they did go vote.

Other states may require the employee to request time off in advance to go vote.

What Are the Differences Between States?

Because no federal law governs the subject to leave for voting, each state has its own set of laws on the issue, as noted above. Some states have no laws on the subject, including:

• Michigan;
• New Jersey; and
• Pennsylvania.

States that require employees to take unpaid leave to vote include:

• Illinois; and
• Wisconsin.

In California, employees are provided with 2 hours of paid leave to vote if they provide two workdays’ notice. If an individual has questions regarding their state laws governing voting and voting leave, it may be helpful to consult with a civil rights lawyer.

Individuals need to be aware of their state’s laws because they may vary significantly from state to state. If you have questions about the specific laws of your state and how they apply to your case, get in touch with a lawyer who can provide you with guidance for your claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer with Experience in Voting Rights Issues?

If you have any issues, questions, or concerns related to voting and voting rights in your state, it may be helpful to consult with a local civil rights lawyer. Your lawyer can inform you how to use the National Mail Voter Registration Form and how to complete it.

If you are interested in organizing a voting registration drive, your lawyer can advise you on the requirements in your area. If you have any issues with your employer allowing you to take time off your job to vote, your lawyer can advise you of your rights. They can also provide you with representation in court in the event you have a legal dispute that requires legal action.