Are you registered to vote, mama?

As mothers, we’re changing the world through our children, but we can also change the world for them by showing up to vote on Election Day. 2024 is a critical election year—and those who can vote, absolutely should.

The deadlines to register to vote vary by state, but many are in early October. The time to register to vote is now.

Here’s how to check if you are registered to vote—and what to do if you’re not

Check to see if you’re registered

If you’ve moved or changed your name recently, it’s really important to check if you’re registered to vote. And even if you haven’t changed anything, you should still check.

The voter registration deadlines vary by state. In some places, you can register right up until election day, but in many states, the deadlines are much sooner—as much as a month before Election Day. (If you’re in North Dakota, you don’t need to register to vote, it’s the one state that doesn’t require it).

You can check to see if you’re registered using this tool from usa.gov

What to do if you’re not registered

Get that fixed so you can vote.

In most states (and DC) you can register online to vote.

You can even do it right here, right now—it will take 2 minutes.

Make a plan for election day

Okay, now that you’re registered to vote, you can start planning for November 5, 2024, or check your state’s dates for early voting (shorter lines!).

Find out where your local polling place is (you can enter your address here), arrange childcare if necessary (though yes, you can bring your kids with you!), and make sure you bring your ID, because two-thirds of states either require or can request that you provide some.

Note also that in general elections, you don’t have to vote for the party you’re registered with.

Bottom line: Exercise your rights

It’s wild to think that we, as women, have only had the privilege of voting for just over 100 years. That’s how long it’s been since the 19th amendment gave America’s women the right to participate in democracy. We have the right. Now we have to exercise it.

A version of this story was originally published on Sept. 22, 2020. It has been updated.