Voting is a civic responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. In our democracy, voting is the best way to make sure your opinion is heard. But, for new or first-time voters, the process can feel a bit overwhelming. What do you need to bring when you vote? Do you need your driver's license, or can you vote without one? What is the deadline for registering to vote? Can you register to vote when you take driving lessons or take your driver's test?
Below, we'll answer these questions and provide the resources you need to determine the rules in your state. Each state has its own voting and election regulations, including what you need to vote, the deadlines for registering, and whether or not you need a photo ID to vote.
Step 1: Register to Vote
The first step is to register to vote in your state of residence. If you are attending college in another state, you may need to register to vote in your home state. You can register to vote by mail or when you get your driver's license at the DMV.
When Is the Deadline to Register to Vote?
The deadline to register to vote varies by state, but most states require voters to register between 15 and 30 days before election day. However, 18 states plus Washington, DC permit election-day registration, where you can register and vote on the same day. North Carolina and Montana allow same-day registration during early voting but not on Election Day, and North Dakota has no voter registration requirement at all. Note that most states that allow same-day voter registration require voters to bring a valid state-issued ID or driver's license to register.
Step 2: Research Your Local Election Laws & Requirements
The requirements to vote vary by state. Some states do not require voters to bring a driver's license or state-issued ID card, while others do. Whether or not your state requires it, it is always a safe idea to bring your driver's license or some form of photo ID with you when you vote. If you have a voting card, keeping this with you might also make the process easier once you get to the polling station.
You can check the voter ID requirements for your state below, or find more information on Ballotpedia.
States that Require Photo ID at the Polls
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Washington
Wisconsin
States that Require Non-photo ID at the Polls
Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Kentucky
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Texas
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Wyoming
States that Require ID for First-time Voters
California
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Nebraska
New York
Pennsylvania
Vermont
States that Do Not Require Voter ID
Hawaii
Maine (except when registering to vote on Election Day)
Minnesota (unless haven't voted in the past four years)
Nevada
New Jersey (unless didn't show ID upon registration)
New Mexico (unless didn't show ID upon registration)
Washington, DC
Note that Oregon holds elections primarily by mail and requires a driver's license or state ID card to register to vote rather than at a polling place.
Step 3: Vote Before the Deadline
Next, make sure you submit your ballot before the voting deadline. If you are voting in person, the voting deadline is Election Day. If you vote by mail, you may need to cast your ballot a few days before election day to ensure it reaches voting officials on time.
Some states also offer in-person early voting, allowing voters to cast their ballot several days or weeks before election day. You'll need to check with your local precinct for dates, times, and locations.
Step 4: Follow Up if You Use a Mail-in Ballot
Voting by mail or by absentee ballot allows you to cast your vote without the hassle of showing up in person on Election Day. However, votes by mail can be rejectedif they arrive late, aren't correctly filled out, or if the signature on the ballot does not match the signature on file.
All but four states offer online tracking of mail-in ballots so you can verify your vote arrived and was counted. If you vote by mail, do so early and check the status of your vote so you have time to correct any issues before Election Day.
With a little preparation, you can make sure you have everything you need to vote correctly in your state and make your voice heard.
Updated 11/01/22