With the heated upcoming presidential election in November and the voter registration deadline on October 17th, there is no better time to register than now. Because navigating through numerous government websites isn’t the easiest or most appealing process, here’s a breakdown of voter registration steps as well as all of the links you’ll need.

The first step is, of course, seeing if you are eligible to vote. In order to vote in Virginia, you must:

• Be 18 years old by election day
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Live in an Address in VA
• If convicted of a felony, not be in jail, on probation, or on parole; and have had your right to vote restored by the state
• Not be currently judged incompetent by a court
• Not claim the right to vote in another state

If you meet these requirements, you have 3 different registration options: online, by mail or in person.

If you want to register online, go to https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/Registration/E.... After confirming that you meet the qualifications to vote in Virginia, the web page will allow you to fill out your information to become a registered voter. You’ll need a Virginia driver’s license or a special ID card in addition to your social security number. If you have more questions about filling out the online form, go to http://www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-outreach/.

In order to register by mail, you need to print and fill out the “Voter Registration Application” found on this page http://www.elections.virginia.gov/contact-us/index.... This option enables individuals without a standard photo ID to be able to register to vote..In addition to your social security number, you will need a current photo ID, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document. After the application is complete, mail it to either the Department of Elections (at 1100 Bank Street, First Floor Richmond, VA 23219) or your local registration office which can be found on this website https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformati....

If you want to register to vote in-person, visit the most previous website listed (https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformati...) to find your local registration office. While at the registration office, you will fill out your basic information including your social security number. Having a current photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document is not necessary with in-person registration. An employee will guide you through the registration process and make sure you are fully registered.

Aside from those 3 main options, individuals do have the chance to fill out an absentee ballot which is found on this website http://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/vot... under “Virginia Absentee Ballot Application” and given to your local registration office either by mail or in-person, or you can apply online if you have a current photo ID at this website http://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/i.... There are various situations that allow someone to vote by absentee ballot, but this option is especially useful for college students who are attending school away from their normal residence in Virginia. For more information on filling out an absentee registration form, visit http://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot....