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National Voter Registration Day

Get your voice heard this National Voter Registration Day! Register, participate, and make a difference in the democracy we share.

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFourth Thursday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for the celebration of one of the most important events in our democracy - National Voter Registration Day! Happening on the fourth Thursday in September, this vital day was first observed in 2012 and has grown in significance ever since. The special day is all about making sure everyone has the opportunity to vote. It’s a national holiday celebrating our democracy, and it's an opportunity to spread the word about voter registration and make sure everyone's registered to vote in the upcoming elections. Participating in this day is a chance to stand up for democracy, civic responsibility, and the power of the vote. So, come on! Let's get registered and make our voices heard this National Voter Registration Day!

TIMELINE

National Voter Registration Day Timeline

Age Lowered for Voting

The 26th Amendment to the U.S Constitution is ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.

Increase in Voter Registration

Efforts to increase voter registration among various demographics led to 146.2 million citizens registered to vote by this year.

National Voter Registration Act

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) was signed into law, making voter registration for federal elections more frictionless at public assistance agencies.

Help America Vote Act

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is signed into law, providing federal funding to improve state's voter registration systems.

Historic Voter Turnout

The 2008 presidential election sees a historic voter turnout, with more than 131 million people casting votes.

First National Voter Registration Day

The first National Voter Registration Day is celebrated, with thousands of voters registering nationwide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Voter Registration Day

Take part in a voter registration event

National Voter Registration Day is a great opportunity to get involved in your community. Look up any voter registration events taking place nearby, and go along to support the cause.

ORGANIZE

Organize a voter registration drive

Take the initiative and organize a voter registration drive in your area. Collaboration with local businesses, universities, or nonprofits can make it more effective and reach more people.

HELP

Help others to register

If you've got friends, family members or neighbors who aren’t registered to vote, offer to help them fill out the form or guide them through the online registration process.

Share the importance on social media

Even if you're already registered, you can spread the word on social media about the importance of voter registration. Use hashtags like #NationalVoterRegistrationDay and #VoteReady and tag your friends to remind them to register.

ENGAGE

Engage youth in the process

Educate the younger generations about the importance of voting. Introduce them to the registration process, hold mock elections at schools, or engage them in discussions about civic duties and responsibilities.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Voter Registration Day

Educating Future Generations

National Voter Registration Day provides an excellent opportunity to educate young people about the value of voting and civic responsibility. Through initiatives like mock elections and educational discussions, adults can pass on the torch of democracy to future generations, promoting a sense of communal duty and engagement.

Civic Participation

National Voter Registration Day reminds us of the essential role public participation plays in a functioning democracy. It's a day where we get to celebrate our power to effect change and make our voices heard by registering to vote. It not only reinforces our sense of civic duty but also reminds us that our votes matter.

Community Engagement

This day encourages us to actively participate in our communities. Whether it's through participating in voter registration events, helping others register or using social media platforms to spread the importance of voter registration, this day offers the opportunity to strengthen community ties and work together towards a common goal.