52 USC 20505 - Mail registration

U.S Code last checked for updates: Feb 22, 2025

§ 20505.

Mail registration

(a)

Form

(1)

Each State shall accept and use the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to section 20508(a)(2) of this title for the registration of voters in elections for Federal office.

(2)

In addition to accepting and using the form described in paragraph (1), a State may develop and use a mail voter registration form that meets all of the criteria stated in section 20508(b) of this title for the registration of voters in elections for Federal office.

(3)

A form described in paragraph (1) or (2) shall be accepted and used for notification of a registrant’s change of address.

(b)

Availability of forms

(c)

First-time voters

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), a State may by law require a person to vote in person if—

(A)

the person was registered to vote in a jurisdiction by mail; and

(B)

the person has not previously voted in that jurisdiction.

(2)

Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of a person—

(A)

who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act [52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq.];

(B)

who is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section 20102(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title; or

(C)

who is entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other Federal law.

(d)

Undelivered notices

(Pub. L. 103–31, § 6, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 79.)

cite as: 52 USC 20505