Voting Address Issues
In our 'Voting Address Issues' category, we take a closer look at the questions raised by voters when traditional definitions of an "address" don't quite apply to them.
The stories in this category illuminate the various circumstances that make it difficult to determine a voting address. While you may not be physically present at your voting address during an election, it is the address which determines your voting jurisdiction, your associated election office, and where your ballot will be counted. Voting address questions come up for individuals who move often, for those who may lack a permanent residence, and for those who relocate internationally.
Here you can discover the personal narratives of voters who have worked through their address issues. We reflect on the importance of ensuring every citizen's voice is heard, regardless of their transient or unconventional living situations.
If you've recently relocated, or plan on moving soon, take a moment to see how Devon handled residency requirements and new Voter ID rules whether his new place was across town or in a new state.
Devon has become a pro at packing up and moving every couple years and his experiences can help you troubleshoot some voting details you may overlook. Even if you're staying in the same zip code, some voters don't realize:
- you need to update your registration details
- your new street address could be in a different voting precinct with a new polling location
- you may even have different representatives at the local, county and state levels of government
- you may need to cancel your registration at your previous address to ascertain that you are not registered in more than one location
Devon shares how he has navigated these situations and even enjoyed trying new methods of voting in different states. He has not skipped an election even while deciphering new leases, getting couches up narrow stairwells, and discovering where to get groceries each time he lands in a new state. He'll show you how to get it done. Notably and true to brand, Devon relocated yet again to a different neighborhood in Houston a couple months after he shared his voter story with us.vote.
If you're interested in moving about and exploring new places as a perpetual traveler while still wanting to participate in elections, Jeremiah's voter story is the one for you.
Jeremiah has no intention of setting down roots at this time. He could just as easily find himself in Paris, Texas as in Paris, France when Election Day rolls around in November 2024. Regardless, Jeremiah will be able to vote based on his last voting residence. Jeremiah's voter story shares insights he has gained about civic engagement and political participation through his extensive travel.
The gig economy paired with the sharing economy open up new opportunities for Americans to work and live in a more mobile manner. Some enjoy the freedom to roam brought about by remote work as well. In each of these cases, voters don't have to leave behind their right to vote.
Whether it's through choice or by necessity, you don't have to be planted in one spot to be able to cast your ballot. Read on to learn about your rights and how the process works.
If you have a question about voting and address issues that we don't answer here, or want to share your own voter story related to voting address issues, please reach out to the YES Campaign!
Can I Vote if I Just Moved to a New State?
Devon DeBalsi
You can check boxes on your ballot even as you unpack boxes in your new pad. Devon DeBalsi shows you how to navigate state requirements to get set up as a new voter each time you relocate.
Voting as a New Resident
If you’ve just moved to a new state, you may be wondering if you’re eligible to vote there. Each state has its own rules for how to vote, including residency requirements, registration deadlines, and what kind of identification you’ll need.
Can you cast a ballot if you have recently relocated? Yes, you may be eligible to vote as long as you fulfill your state’s requirements.
Meet Devon DeBalsi - Space Industry Engineer Who Votes on Earth
Devon DeBalsi is well versed in the relocation process, having had to register as a new voter four different times in four consecutive statewide elections. From 2016 to 2022, he moved from Connecticut to Texas to Florida and back to Texas again for his education and career.
As an aerospace engineer and a voter, Devon DeBalsi has the experience it takes to know that registering to vote in a new state does not have to be rocket science. In his conversation with U.S. Vote Foundation (US Vote), Devon explains how he went from new resident to experienced voter in each state.
US.VOTE
Devon, you certainly have had a packed agenda over the last several years, moving from state to state for your education and career. Getting set up to vote may not have been top of mind as you established residency.
While Connecticut has same-day voter registration, you must be registered for nearly a month before you can vote in Florida and Texas. Did these registration deadlines impact your ability to vote in any elections?
Devon DeBalsi
They luckily did not as I researched registration deadlines in advance of my moves to Florida and Texas, and the time of year of all my moves (which all roughly fall between June and August) conveniently made it such that the deadlines were not hard to meet.
US.VOTE
That’s great to hear. Next time, you can easily find election dates and deadlines on the US Vote website if you’d like.
Were you able to vote in all statewide elections from 2016 - 2022, despite moving around so frequently?
Devon DeBalsi
Yes, I made a point of voting.
US.VOTE
Fantastic! Can you explain the way you went about registering to vote in each state and whether the process of navigating how to vote was tedious?
Devon DeBalsi
The process was not particularly tedious for me in any state.
I was able to pre-register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut. When I was at college, I was able to register through a voter registration drive on campus. Then each time I relocated for my career, I registered while getting my drivers’ license in each state.
Each time I re-registered, I also notified the previous state of this change.
US.VOTE
In your situation, you were able to avail yourself of access to voter registration through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, otherwise known as the Motor Voter Act. This law enables people to register to vote at select state offices which offer services to the public. Some people register through their motor vehicle office or public assistance offices
So, once you were set up with registration and identification, you were ready to vote. What methods of voting did you use in each state? Was voting time consuming?
Devon DeBalsi
I voted with a Connecticut absentee ballot in 2016 while I was at college. Then I voted in-person on Election Day in 2018, which took about 3 hours in Texas. I voted by mail in 2020 in Florida. I voted early, in person, in 2022 in Texas, which took about 10 minutes.
US.VOTE
That’s so interesting that you’ve been able to vote by absentee ballot with an excuse, in person on Election Day, during an early voting period, and with a no-excuse mail-in ballot.
Not only have you exercised your right to vote in multiple states, you have cast your ballot in the manner most convenient to your personal circumstances.
In 2024, do you anticipate voting again in Texas or could you be relocating by then?
Devon DeBalsi
I anticipate voting in Texas again in 2024.
US.VOTE
You’ve done a stellar job at navigating the ins and outs of registering to vote, and locating your polling place or finding alternative ways to return your ballot. Thank you for fulfilling this civic duty and sharing your experience. Good luck with your aerospace endeavors!
Devon DeBalsi
Thank you.
Voters like Devon DeBalsi who relocate frequently can streamline their voting processes by taking a few minutes to create a Voter Account at U.S. Vote Foundation. With a Voter Account, your personalized democracy dashboard can be easily updated anytime you relocate. Your Voter Account can help you to instantly generate a registration form or request an absentee ballot for wherever you are in the U.S. or abroad. You can receive notification about upcoming elections, check election dates and deadlines, find your local election office, and more–all in one place. Your private Voter Account is a secure and easy way to become a vested part of your new community.
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