Today is National Voter Registration Day, the nation’s biggest voter registration drive – where organizations across the country encourage citizens to update their voter registration.

We believe it is crucial for animal advocates to participate in our democracy because animals are always on the ballot. By engaging in the electoral process, advocates can support candidates at the local, state, and federal level who support animal protection and push for legislation that ensures humane treatment of animals. Elected officials have the power to enact and enforce policies that can significantly improve the lives of animals, from ending the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline to banning cruel practices on factory farms to funding animal shelters and habitat conservation programs.

The ballot box is an extraordinary tool to which we have access as Americans. As an animal protection organization, we ask our members to make humane choices throughout their daily lives – where we eat, what we wear, and when it comes to election day, how we vote. When we vote for compassionate leaders, we make a world without cruelty possible.

Today, we’re joining hundreds of other organizations to encourage you to review and update your registration. If you have moved recently, haven’t voted in a while, changed your name, or are just turning 18, you may not be ready to vote. The good news is that you can fix this today, to ensure that you can cast your humane vote in upcoming elections.

Animals are affected by public policy at every level of government. Local officials have the power to pass humane pet store ordinances, prohibit the sale of new fur products, and appropriate funds to shelters. State-level representatives determine the future of all animals in their states, controlling policy that shapes the fate of wildlife hunted for trophies, animals used in research, and companion animals cruelly bred for profit.

And of course, federal officials are passing national laws, many of which have global impact. Right now, there is legislation pending before the U.S. Congress to crack down on puppy mills, increase enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, protect America’s iconic equines, and much more. We must continue electing and re-electing candidates who will support our fight for all animals.

In some parts of the country, citizens have the power to pass laws themselves through direct democracy. This is a pathway to improving the lives of animals we work tirelessly to defend. Over the years, we’ve spurred the passage of dozens of ballot measures aimed at improving the lives of animals – including California’s landmark Prop 12 in 2018, which we’re fighting to defend against attacks in the U.S. Congress right now.

Just as every elected official has the power to better the lives of animals, every year offers an opportunity to support pro-animal candidates. Special federal elections, municipal elections, along with Virginia and New Jersey’s statewide elections are all happening in 2025. We encourage you to evaluate candidates running for office in your area this year. And please keep an eye on Humane World Action Fund’s endorsements in this and every election.

After checking your status or registering to vote, there are additional actions you can take to be vote-ready. Mark elections happening in your area on your calendar and make a voting plan. In many states, you can vote by mail with an absentee ballot. Most importantly, be sure to spread the word to those in your community that their vote matters.

When we vote, we make a difference for animals. This National Voter Registration Day, take time to make sure you are using every tool as a humane advocate. Let’s mobilize, act, and vote for a more humane world.