According to the Declaration of Independence, governments "derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." This means if people don't like their government, they have the right to change it. Here in the U.S.A., the vehicle of that change is the vote. Though change often comes too slowly for many, it wouldn't come at all if every adult U.S. citizen didn't have-and exercise-this foundational right.

National Voter Registration Day, on September 20th, is an all-out effort to convince all American citizens of voting age to exercise that right and, if they haven't yet registered to vote, to do so. Volunteers and organizations nationwide collaborate by setting up registration tables, knocking on doors, or producing social and mass media awareness campaigns on the importance of registering to vote. Imagine over 10,000 volunteers working together one full day to educate Americans on one of our most precious rights. On National Voter Registration Day 2016, over 750,00 American citizens registered to exercise a fundamental right that is denied to millions of people in other nations.

National Voter Registration Day is also a reminder of what is required to vote. 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 also confirm your polling place, update your registration details, or get more information on upcoming elections.