Your Vote Matters: How to Register to Vote and Speak Up for Kids

Why does your vote matter for children?

Votes elect officials who, in turn, create the policies and laws that govern us all. Civic participation in the form of voting directly determines who becomes an elected official, and the decisions that they make — including decisions about policies related to children’s health, education, safety and rights. 

Voting is one way that adults can help keep children’s rights and needs front and center in civic conversations. Keep reading for practical steps to take to participate in the next voting cycle. 

Get ready to vote 

Getting ready to vote is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready before the next election day:

How to check if you're registered to vote 

First, check whether you’re already registered to vote. Visit this website to check your voter registration status and make sure your name and address are up to date. 

How to register to vote for the first time 

If you have never registered or voted before, it's likely you need to register or update your status. Requirements and deadlines vary by state, so check your state's deadline in enough time to vote on election day. 

To check your state's specific local deadlines and your registration status, eligibility and identification requirements, visit official resources like the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. 

You can register to vote online, by mail or in person at your local election office. Ways to register to vote include:

• registering online: Vote.org and Vote.gov are excellent options. Both will direct you to your home state, where you can complete the necessary steps.
• registering by mail: Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Complete the form electronically before printing it, or print it and fill it out by hand. Be sure to sign your completed application and follow the instructions for submitting it to your state's election office.

• registering in person: Depending on where you live, you may be able to register at a local government office. Check your state's requirements and registration options. Places that may offer voter registration services include:

  • your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
  • state or local public assistance offices 

  Do you have to register to vote every year? 

  No. Once you are registered, you should remain registered to vote in future national, state and local elections. 

  However, it’s best to check your voter registration each year to ensure the information is current. If you change your name, move to a new address — even within the same state — or want to change your political party affiliation, you will need to update your voter registration.

  Sometimes other circumstances change. Vote.gov offers guidance for voting with a disability, voting as a military service member and more. If you are under 18 and preparing to vote, please access important information about how to ensure you’re ready here.

  If you will be out of the country or otherwise unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can vote early or vote by mail. Vote.gov also provides instructions for how to vote from outside the U.S. and a link to where you can request your absentee ballot.

  Use your voice to advocate for children 

  Voting and civic engagement are critical to UNICEF USA’s nonpartisan mission to ensure that the needs of children remain a priority for elected officials at every level of government. That work does not begin or end on Election Day. Your voice and your vote can help UNICEF USA advocate for funding and policies that improve children’s lives and hold leaders accountable to continue that work. 

  Join UNICEF USA and advocate for children year-round by contacting your elected officials about issues that matter most for children.

  Visit the UNICEF USA Advocacy Action Center

  

  Putting children first: child-centered governance

  UNICEF USA's Community Alliance for Child Rights brings together young people, adult advocates, governments, civil society and businesses to advance child-centered governance — a practical, evidence-informed approach to public policymaking and resource allocations that centers the well-being and voices of children.  

  CACR's work includes youth organizing, municipal partnerships, policy advocacy and research focused on making communities safer and more responsive to children’s needs. Child-centered governance aims not only to ensure that the rights and needs of children are in the minds of elected officials, but also that children and young adults can be active participants in decisions that affect them. When young people are given a seat at the table and adults in power consider children’s rights, needs and perspectives, they build systems that are more equitable, coordinated and resilient. 

  The latest UNICEF USA/Harris Poll youth survey shows that young people are engaged and eager to be included in the processes that will shape their future. That includes exercising their right to vote: the 2026 UNICEF USA/Harris Poll nationwide online survey found that 62 percent of those eligible to vote are planning to cast a ballot in state elections — a 15-point jump from 2024.

  To learn more about the 2026 UNICEF USA/Harris Poll survey results, read Nothing About Us Without Us: Youth Voices Matter

  

  Advocacy in action 

  When children and young adults are given the platforms and systems to be active participants in government decisions, everyone benefits. Emerging evidence suggests that child-centered governance may make policies more responsive, help governments use resources more strategically and may contribute to long-term community health and resilience. 

  One example of this work in action is UNICEF Clubs — an opportunity for high school and college students around the country to advocate for children’s rights, educate their communities, and fundraise for children here and abroad. 

  Another example is UNICEF USA's Annual Hill Day, when students and other volunteer advocates gather in Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and make the case for federal funding to support UNICEF’s global work. In April 2026, UNICEF USA advocates representing 10 states met with 27 congressional offices to elevate children’s needs during the federal budget process for fiscal year 2027.

  

  Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni4l8m86I68

  

  UNICEF Ambassador Amanda Gorman offers this advice for young people who want to speak up for change but don’t know where to start: "Find out what you are curious and passionate about, who needs help around you and the small ways you can improve your local community... Your voice is powerful, and I promise that even the smallest actions can lead to big changes."

  To learn more, read Advocacy, Action and Hope: 5 Questions With UNICEF Ambassador Amanda Gorman

  Somaya Faruqi turned her experience as captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team into a platform for global advocacy. Faruqi works with UNICEF and partners to defend Afghan girls’ right to learn and to press for an end to the ban on girls’ secondary education in her country.

  Read about Somaya Faruqi's Journey From Robotics to Global Advocate in Afghanistan

  

  Take action for children 

  Taking action for children takes many forms. Voting with children in mind — considering how candidates' positions could affect children's rights and well-being — is a good start. To continue your civic engagement before and after Election Day:

  • Ask questions. Encourage candidates and elected officials alike to explain how they will address children’s needs.
  • Stay engaged. Follow policy and budget decisions and contact your representatives to voice your opinions.
  • Bring others in. Help friends, family members and young people participate in civic life.
  • Advocate with UNICEF USA. Use the Advocacy Action Center to get involved and support policies that put children first.

  Take action for children with UNICEF USA

  Frequently asked questions about voter registration 

  How do I register to vote?

  Visit Vote.gov or the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website to register or update your registration. You can register online, by mail or in person at your local election office. Requirements and deadlines vary by state, so check yours in time to vote on election day. 

  I'm already registered to vote. How do I confirm my registration is up to date?

  To confirm your registration status, visit Can I Vote and select "voter registration status." Make sure your name and address are current.

  Do I have to register to vote every year?

  No. Once you're registered, you should stay registered for future national, state and local elections. It's still a good idea to double-check your status each year.

  When do I need to update my voter registration?

  Update your registration if you change your name, move to a new address (even within the same state) or want to change your political party affiliation.

  What are the ways to register to vote?

  • Online: Vote.org and Vote.gov will direct you to your home state to complete the steps.
  • By mail: Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form, fill it out, sign it and send it to your state's election office.
  • In person: Depending on your state, you may be able to register at your local DMV or a state or local public assistance office.

  Can I vote if I'll be out of the country on Election Day?

  Yes. You can vote by mail. Vote.gov explains how to vote from outside the U.S., and you can request your absentee ballot here.

  Where can I find voting information for specific situations?

  Vote.gov has guidance on how people under the age of 18 can prepare to vote, voting with a disability and voting as a military service member.

  Does UNICEF USA endorse political candidates? 

  UNICEF USA is a nonpartisan organization and does not support or oppose any particular candidate. It is critical to our work that we remain impartial both in our mission and as legally mandated by our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. As a UNICEF National Committee, and in keeping with UNICEF’s global mission, our focus is on results for children. We advocate for policies and budgets that support UNICEF’s mission to protect child rights, and help children survive and thrive. We do so guided by the belief that “a child in need knows no politics.” All messaging is strictly nonpartisan and child-centric. 

  How does my vote affect children around the world? 

  Civic participation, including voting and advocacy, directly shapes broader policy decisions and priorities that affect children both here and abroad. Whether it’s domestic laws on housing or transportation, or determining funding for humanitarian support in other countries, keeping children at the center of the conversation is imperative. 

  How can I advocate for children if I can’t vote? 

  There are many ways to advocate for children and participate in civic engagement even if you’re unable to vote. Advocate for UNICEF and the work being done to support children’s rights here and around the world. If you’re a high school or college student, consider joining a UNICEF Club. Contact your elected officials and encourage them to make policy decisions that support children.