Jan Cole, Las Vegas, NV
Voting - Legal FAQs
How Old Do I Have To Be To Vote?
Under the federal and state constitutions, you are eligible to vote when you reach 18 years of age, provided you meet all other requirements (U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, A7 1; Nev. Const. art. 2, A7 1).
What Are The Requirements For Voting?
Even though you are 18, age alone does not make you eligible to vote. You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of at least 30 days before the election, and you must register to vote.
How Do I Register To Vote?
You can register to vote by appearing personally at a voter registration office. Generally, these offices are in the county courthouse, post office, or other public buildings. If you appear in person, you must bring documents to prove your name, address and age.
How Do I Know Where To Vote?
After you register to vote, you will be issued a voter registration card which will tell you where to vote. Where you vote depends upon where you live. Your local government designates where you must vote, usually at public places, such as a school, fire station, community center, City Hall, or similar location. The location is termed a "polling place" or "the polls." College students may vote in the city where they attend school if they register in that city or show a change of residence from their hometown.
How Do I Vote?
You go to your assigned polling place with your voter registration card or other identification on the date of the election. You vote in privacy, and your choices are secret. Depending on the practices in your voting district, you will make your selection by filling out a paper ballot, moving levers on a voting machine, or using a wand on a computerized panel.
What Happens If I Have Registered But Cannot Appear At The Poll On Election Day?
If, in advance of the election, you apply with the Registrar of Voters for an absentee ballot, you may cast your vote by mail prior to the election. However, if you fail to vote by absentee ballot and you do not appear at the polls on Election Day to vote, you lose your opportunity to vote in the election.
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