I was thinking along the lines of it being a civic duty and a thing that responsible people either do, or do not do for a good reason. It did feel a bit like how ChezMiriam described. If I wasn’t registered it’s not because I’m not able to sort out how that works.
In every state where I’ve resided it’s an option when you change your driver’s license address. It’s not a big secret or a difficult task.
I wouldn’t really ask anyone if they flossed (though I do actually think it’s of the utmost importance and expect people are less educated about flossing than about registering to vote.) I meant that tongue in cheek.
I smiled and said “yes, I am.”
Funny enough, after I posted this the new neighbor brought me gorgeous flowers from her yard. I really love my new neighbors already.
I think if you are uncomfortable with a question, then "Why do you ask?" is a perfect response.
It could be that the questionnaire is a local registrar and could offer assistance. It could be they were planning to provide you with information about which voting places in your area have the shortest lines or where the easiest place to get to for runoffs, if you are a voter. (Or it could be her litmus test that she was able to bring up something about voting and you didn't jump into a tirade for either side. So well done, you passed and got a flower for it!
)
I wouldn't assume if someone asked "Have you found a local dentist" meant they thought my teeth were in bad shape and I needed to go in for a cleaning. However, I'm sure there are those who are sensitive about the look of their teeth and would take the question as insensitive or overly familiar or judgmental.
I just hate jumping to the decision that someone is being intrusive by asking what could really be an innocent question.