As a new U.S. citizen, you must register to vote before you can cast a ballot. In most states, this must be done prior to Election day. North Dakota is the only state that does not have voter registration.
Registration rules vary by state, but generally you can register to vote at a designated registration site, by mail or online. You should receive a voter ID card in the mail about 2-3 weeks after you register. If you do not receive any materials from the registration office, give them a call to follow-up.
A word of advice: Do not register to vote before you officially become a U.S. citizen. On the registration form, you will be asked if you are a U.S. citizen. Even if your Oath ceremony is right around the corner, resist the urge to register early and tick the "Yes" box before you actually take the Oath. Registering to vote before you become a citizen could delay the process, or you could even face serious penalties for registering as a permanent resident in an election where citizenship is a requirement.
Learn more about Registering to Vote from U.S. Government Info Guide, Robert Longley.
