The Importance of Registering to Vote:

Not only is it important to vote in presidential elections: your vote has even more impact on the local level, whether it’s taxes, schools, city government or voter initiatives. All the more reason to be registered. It's a small price to pay for the chance to affect how things are done in your neighborhood, your city, your state and nation. Here's how to do it.

How do I register?
Where can I find a voter registration form?

Getting registered to vote is basically a matter of filling out a simple form. Where can you find it? Voter registration forms are available at post offices, city halls, DMVs and other public buildings. You’ll also find the form on college and university campuses, other schools and wherever people are gathering signatures for initiatives. Whether or not you agree or disagree, sign a petition or don’t, you can still register to vote.

It may be advantageous to check a party affiliation since it means you can vote in primaries. However, it in no way determines how you can or can’t vote. A registered Democrat can vote Republican or any other party and vice-versa.