How to change voter registration when you're moving out of state

I'm one of those people who thinks that if you fail to take advantage of your right to vote, you shouldn't complain about things your vote may have been able to change.  I won't get on that soapbox though (it's ok to breathe a sigh of relief here).  If you're one of the many U.S. citizens who exercises your right to vote, and your long-distance move is taking you out of your voting district, you'll want to make sure to add "change my voter registration information" to your moving checklist.  You cannot be registered to vote in more than one place at a time.

No worries though. It's not complicated. In fact, the United States Election Assistance Commission makes it easy.  You can complete an online voter registration form that allows you to: register to vote for the first time, report a name change, report a change of address or register with a political party.  It's important to note though, that you're responsible for sending the form to your state or local election office for processing.  In most states you can simply mail the application to the address listed under your state in the form's instructions (with the exception of New Hampshire, North Dakota and Wyoming).

Keep in mind that voter registration requirements differ state to state.  Because of that, we recommend that you check with your new state's election office (or these requirements are listed at the bottom of the online voter registration form) to verify the requirements.  While you're at it, make sure to verify your new state's deadline for registering— especially if you're moving around election time. Otherwise you could find yourself in "voter limbo".  All states require that you be a United States citizen by birth or naturalization to register to vote in federal and state elections.
 
If you've never registered to vote before, now is a great time!  When you're moving out of state you already have to register your vehicle and get a new driver's licensing, why not add this simple step too?  Just fill out the online voter registration form, or pick one up at the local post office, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), public assistance agencies or the city or county clerk's office.