How Teens Can Register to Vote in Broward County

Teens 13–17 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Do Teens Need Before Starting to Register to Vote in Broward County?

Before you begin registering or pre-registering to vote, having the right information and documents ready will make the process smoother. First, you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Broward County, Florida. For pre-registration, you need to be at least 16 years old; for full registration, you must be 18 or older by the next election date. Gather your full legal name, date of birth, and current Broward County address. You will also need your Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card number. If you don’t have either, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number. It’s important to have this info ready because it verifies your identity and residency, which election officials require. Having an email address or phone number helps, too, so you can receive updates or confirmations. Finally, it’s a good idea to have a parent or guardian available if you want help or need to ask questions while filling out forms.

How Can Teens Start the Voter Registration Process? Step-by-Step

Here is a clear step-by-step guide for teens in Broward County to register or pre-register to vote, with explanations for why each step matters:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that you are a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, and at least 16 years old to pre-register or 18 to register fully. This is essential because only those who meet these basic requirements can register to vote.

1. Gather Your Documentation: Prepare your Florida driver’s license or state ID number. If you don’t have one, write down the last four digits of your Social Security number. These pieces of information help election officials verify your identity and residency.

1. Get the Voter Registration Form: You have two main options: Complete the form online at the official Florida Division of Elections website. Pick up a paper form at your school, public library, or the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office.

1. Fill Out the Form Carefully: Make sure to enter your full legal name, date of birth, address, and identification number accurately. Mistakes, like misspelling your name or listing the wrong address, can delay your registration.

1. Submit the Form: If online, submit it electronically through the official website. If you have a paper form, mail it or deliver it in person to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections. The address is usually on the form.

1. Wait for Confirmation: It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for your registration to be processed. After at least a week, check your registration status online using your name and date of birth to make sure your registration went through.

Following these steps carefully will ensure you are ready to vote as soon as you turn 18 or for the upcoming election if you are already eligible.

How Can Teens Tell That Their Voter Registration Worked?

Once you submit your registration or pre-registration form, a confirmation will arrive either by mail or email. This confirmation will include your voter registration number and a note stating your registration is active. To double-check, go to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections website and enter your name and birthdate in the voter status lookup tool. If your status says “active” or “registered,” your registration is successful. If the system shows “pending” or “not found,” you might need to follow up. Keep a copy of your confirmation or take a screenshot of your online status as proof. This helps if there are questions on election day or if you need to confirm where to vote.

What Should Teens Do if Their Voter Registration Does Not Work?

If you don’t receive confirmation within a few weeks or if the online status shows inactive or no record, don’t panic. Start by confirming all the information you submitted was correct—check for typos or missing data. If you used a paper form, it may take longer to process, so allow some extra time. If you still don’t see confirmation, contact the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office directly by phone or email. When you call, explain that you submitted a registration and want to confirm your status. They can check for errors or missing information. If necessary, fill out a new form with correct details and submit it promptly. Acting early ensures you will be able to vote when eligible and avoids last-minute problems.

How Does Pre-Registration Help Teens Under 18 in Broward County?

Pre-registration is a special option for Florida teens who are 16 or 17 years old. By pre-registering, you are putting your name on the voter rolls so that when you turn 18, you are automatically eligible to vote without any extra steps. This saves time and makes your first opportunity to vote easier. The process is the same as full registration, and you will use the same form. Once you pre-register, keep track of your registration status and update your address if you move. For example, if you pre-register at 17 and then move to a new address in Broward County, you need to update your registration so your voter information stays current. Pre-registering also helps you learn about the elections and voting process early, so you are confident when it’s time to vote.

Can Teens Register to Vote at School or Other Community Places?

Yes, many schools, libraries, and community centers in Broward County host voter registration drives, especially during election seasons. These events provide voter registration forms and volunteers or staff who can help explain the process, answer questions, and assist with filling out the form correctly. If your school organizes such an event, it’s a great opportunity to register or pre-register in a familiar environment. You can also ask your school counselor, student government representatives, or teachers if they know about upcoming registration drives. If your school or community doesn’t have an event, you can still get a paper form from the library or download it online. Registering at school events often comes with reminders about important voting dates and helps you stay connected with your peers who are also getting ready to vote.

How Can Teens Stay Informed About Voting After Registering?

After registering or pre-registering, staying informed about upcoming elections is important. You can sign up for email or text reminders about election dates, voting locations, and deadlines on the Broward County Supervisor of Elections website. Also, check out local news and school announcements. Talk with family or teachers about elections and what offices or issues will be on the ballot. Knowing what you will be voting on helps you make informed decisions. For example, you might hear about local school board elections, city council races, or statewide issues. Staying updated will help you be ready to participate fully and confidently as a voter.

What If a Teen Moves or Changes Their Name Before Turning 18?

If you move to a new address in Broward County or legally change your name before your 18th birthday, it is important to update your voter registration or pre-registration. You do this by completing a new voter registration form with your current name and address and submitting it in the same manner as your original registration. Keeping your registration information accurate is necessary to avoid problems on election day, such as being assigned to the wrong polling place. If you are unsure where to send the update, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office can help. Updating your information early ensures your registration stays valid and ready for when you turn 18.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can teens start pre-registering to vote in Broward County?

Teens can pre-register to vote starting at age 16 in Broward County. This means you can sign up before turning 18, so you will be ready to vote as soon as you are eligible.

Can teens register to vote if they don’t have a Florida driver’s license or ID?

Yes, if you don’t have a Florida ID, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number to register. If you don’t have either, contact the Supervisor of Elections office to learn about other options.

How can teens check their voter registration status in Broward County?

Teens can check their registration status online at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections website by entering their full name and date of birth.

Is it possible for a teen to register to vote at school in Broward County?

Yes, many schools host voter registration drives where teens can register or pre-register to vote with help from staff or volunteers.

What if a teen moves after pre-registering but before turning 18?

The teen should submit an updated registration form with their new address to ensure their voter registration stays current and valid.

Can non-U.S. citizens register to vote in Broward County?

No, only U.S. citizens are allowed to register and vote in Broward County and all U.S. elections.