National Voter Registration Day

National Voter Registration Day is an annual observance dedicated to voters. Ahead of elections, millions of Americans come together to support democracy. Votes are the key factor that shapes the final makeup of the government—people themselves choose who they want to see in power. This holiday is celebrated on the fourth Tuesday of September.

History

Democracy comes from the Greek meaning “rule of the people.” Hundreds of thousands of voters cast their ballots for their preferred government representatives. The holiday has been celebrated since 2012, when more than 300,000 voters were registered in its first year.

Each year, more people recognize their role in elections and understand it as their civic duty. In 2018, the number of registered voters on this day reached 800,000.

The date was chosen so that as many people as possible could register before the elections. This also gives voters enough time to review each candidate’s platform and make an informed decision.

Interesting Facts

• Each country has its own election requirements. For example, voting in Peru is mandatory for citizens.
• In New Mexico, if candidates receive the same number of votes, they can play any game to determine the winner. This law was last used in 1998.
• Elections are held in North Korea every five years, but the ballot lists only the current leader’s name.

How to Take Part

The best way to celebrate National Voter Registration Day is to register as a voter if you haven’t already. Share a post on social media to encourage others to do the same.

You can also read up on major events in US history, watch American films, or read books about democracy and voting.

When is National Voter Registration Day in 2025?

National Voter Registration Day is observed on the fourth Tuesday of September each year.

Observations