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The name on the voter roll has to match the ID you show at the polls
If you don't update your voter registration after changing your name, the next time you vote you might be asked to cast aProvisional ballotThat ballot has to go through a verification process afterward to count, and there is no guarantee it will actually be included in the end.
What's the issue?
You need to show ID when voting (in most states). The polling place will then match your ID against the voter list.
If your ID shows your new name but the voter list still has your old name and the two don't match, some states handle it by giving you a provisional ballot.
A provisional ballot isn't an invalid vote, but it does require a post-election verification process, and the steps vary by state. In a close election, you really don't want your vote stuck in verification.
Where to update it
Your state election office, and most of it can be done online.
Here's another hassle-free shortcut:In some states, you can update your voter registration at the same time when changing your driver's license at the DMV.So when you go to the DMV to update your driver's license (see item 12 on the list), just ask, "Can I update my voter registration here?" If you can do both at once, it saves you an extra trip.
Remember to update your address too
If you move after getting married, your address needs to be updated as well. Your address determines where your polling place is and which local elections you can vote in (school boards, city council, and state legislature are all based on voting districts).
If you don't update your address, you might end up going to your old polling place or receiving a ballot that has nothing to do with where you actually live.
Mind the deadlines
Each state has different rules on how many days before the election registration closes, typically 15 to 30 days before Election Day. Some states allow same-day registration, while others don't.
So don't wait until election week to think about it, because it might be too late by then. Just handle it at the same time when you change your name after marriage.
Special heads up for newly naturalized citizens
If you are a new citizen who naturalized through marriage (see item 120 on the checklist), voter registration is something you need totake the initiative to do yourself, as the naturalization oath ceremony won't automatically register you.
Many naturalization ceremonies have election workers on site providing registration forms, which is the most convenient time to do it.
Check your ID type while you are at it
Every state accepts different types of voting ID (some accept any government ID with a photo, while others limit it to a specific few). If your primary ID changes after changing your name, double check whether it counts as a valid voting ID in your state.
In a nutshell
When you go to the DMV to update your driver's license, casually ask if you can change it at the same time; you should also update your address, as it determines your polling place and voting district.