People looking to vote in person on Election Day may or may not be required to show identification. It all depends on where you live.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), more than 30 states have enacted laws that require or require voters to show some form of identification at polling places. Nine of these states have what is described as “strict photo ID” laws, and the remaining three states have “strict non-photo ID” requirements.
What does this mean?
It’s simple. Some states require photo identification to prove voter status, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, tribal ID, or other documents. NCSL explains that other states accept non-photo identification, such as a bank statement with your name and address, or other documents that don’t necessarily have a photo attached.
According to Ballotpedia, the following states require a photo ID:
Alabama Arkansas Florida: ID also requires a signature Georgia Idaho Indiana Iowa: However, another registered voter without ID can prove the voter’s identity Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Nebraska New Hampshire North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Wisconsin
Michigan voters are required by law to have a photo ID and show it at the polls, but they can do so by signing an “affidavit that states:” You can vote even if you don’t have a book. [they are] “Not in possession of a valid photo ID.” Texas has a similar requirement.
On the other hand, the following states require a non-photo ID to vote in person (although photo IDs may also be accepted):
Alaska Colorado Connecticut Delaware North Dakota Virginia West Virginia Wyoming
Arizona accepts either one photo ID, two IDs with a current address, or a photo ID and one ID with a current address. Montana accepts a photo ID or other form of identification that shows the voter’s name and current address.
In Oregon, where voting is done by mail, people do not need to show a photo ID to register to vote. Utah also primarily votes by mail and requires a photo ID or one of two types of alternative forms of identification. Washington is also a primarily vote-by-mail state, but those who wish to vote in person must show identification or sign a declaration of vote.
The remaining states and Washington, D.C., do not require any documentation to vote at a polling place.
California Hawaii Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Pennsylvania Vermont
However, first-time voters in these states and the District of Columbia may need to bring a photo ID or a document showing their name and address.
Voters who forget to bring required identification to the polling place may be required to fill out an affidavit of identification or use a provisional ballot. The latter may require additional steps to ensure your vote is counted.
When in doubt, be sure to check with your local elections official about what you need to vote for.
Election Day will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
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