Voting on Election Day

Voter ID requirements

Each state sets its own voter ID rules. And most require voters to bring identification to vote in person. Know the voter ID laws in your state before going to the polls.

Link: Click here to Find out if you need to bring an ID to vote

Link: How to get a voter registration card

Procedures for voting without ID

Even if you do not have a form of ID that your state asks for, you may be able to vote.

Some states may ask you to sign a form affirming your identity. Find out if you can vote in your state without ID and what information you may need to provide when you vote.

Other states will let you cast a provisional ballot.

• States use provisional ballots when there is a question about a voter’s eligibility.
• They keep your provisional ballot separate until they investigate your eligibility. You may have to return to show an acceptable form of ID within a few days, or the ballot will not count.

Learn more about provisional ballots and if you may need to cast one in your state.

How to update or change your voter registration

Learn how to update your name, address, and political party affiliation on your voter registration. And find out how to cancel it after moving.

Provisional ballots for name or address mismatch

Even with the right ID, you may have to cast a provisional ballot. This can happen if the name or address on your ID does not match the name or address on your voter registration. For instance:

• You get married, change your last name, and update your voter registration. But your driver’s license, which you present as ID, still has your unmarried name on it.
• You move and for your voter ID, you present a current utility bill. But you forgot to update the address on your voter registration and the two addresses do not match.

Some states require that you notify your local registration office of any name change.

Avoid problems. Learn how to update your voter registration when you move or change your name.

Special ID rules for some first-time voters

According to federal law, first-time voters must show identification when they vote on Election Day if:

• They did not register in person, and
• They did not show ID when they registered

Acceptable forms of ID you can show when you vote include:

• Current and valid photo identification
• Current utility bill
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• A government-issued document that shows your name and address

Change your name or address on your voter registration

If you change your name or move to a new address, you must update your voter registration. If you move outside your state, you must register with the state you moved to. To change your registration:

• Go to vote.gov and select your state or territory. Note the registration deadline.
• Depending on your state’s rules, you will find instructions on how to register or change your information:
  • Online
  • By mail
  • By phone
  • In person at your local election office
• Your state may ask you to re-register to make the information change or may provide a special form to use for reporting the change.

Change your registration using vote.gov

How to get a voter registration card

A voter registration card confirms that you are registered to vote, but you do not need to bring it with you to vote. Find out how to get or replace your card.

Important

As a registered voter, you do not need to show your voter registration card to be allowed to vote.

How to replace your voter registration card

If your voter registration card was lost, damaged, or stolen, you can replace it by contacting your state or local election office.

Register or change your registration to get a voter registration card

When you register to vote or change your registration, you will be mailed a voter registration card. Your voter registration card typically includes your:

• Name
• Home address
• The address of the polling station where you will vote
• Your party affiliation if you listed one on your registration 

How long it takes to get a voter registration card

After you register, it may take a few weeks to get your new voter registration card in the mail. Your state’s election office will let you know if there is a problem with your registration.

If your voter registration card was lost in the mail

If you do not receive your new voter registration card, check with your state or local election office.

Can you print your voter registration online?

https://www.usa.gov/state-election-officeIn some states you may be able to bring an electronic or printed copy of your voter registration when you go to the polling station to vote. Contact your state or local election office to find out if they accept copies as a valid form of voter ID and what other forms of ID they accept.

What form of ID do you need to vote on Election Day?

If you are a registered voter, you will not need your voter registration card on Election Day. But you may need other identification since some states require a photo ID to vote. Use this chart to learn if you need to bring a photo ID when you vote.

Voter registration deadlines

Every state has its own voter registration deadline. Find yours to make sure you can register in time to vote.

Every state except North Dakota requires people to register if they want to become voters. Depending on your state, the deadline to register to vote could be as much as a month before an election.

Check your voter registration deadline by selecting your state on vote.gov. You can also check your state or territory’s election office for more details.

How to get a voter registration card

A voter registration card confirms that you are registered to vote, but you do not need to bring it with you to vote. Find out how to get or replace your card.

How to replace your voter registration card

If your voter registration card was lost, damaged, or stolen, you can replace it by contacting your state or local election office.

Register or change your registration to get a voter registration card

When you register to vote or change your registration, you will be mailed a voter registration card. Your voter registration card typically includes your:

• Name
• Home address
• The address of the polling station where you will vote
• Your party affiliation if you listed one on your registration 

How long it takes to get a voter registration card

After you register, it may take a few weeks to get your new voter registration card in the mail. Your state’s election office will let you know if there is a problem with your registration.

If your voter registration card was lost in the mail

If you do not receive your new voter registration card, check with your state or local election office.

Can you print your voter registration online?

In some states you may be able to bring an electronic or printed copy of your voter registration when you go to the polling station to vote. Contact your state or local election office to find out if they accept copies as a valid form of voter ID and what other forms of ID they accept.

What form of ID do you need to vote on Election Day?

If you are a registered voter, you will not need your voter registration card on Election Day. But you may need other identification since some states require a photo ID to vote. Use this chart to learn if you need to bring a photo ID when you vote.

Decide who to vote for

Learn how to make informed choices by using voter guides and sample ballots to research candidates.

• Use voter guides and sample ballots to learn about candidatesVoter guides and sample ballots include the candidates and the state or local issues up for a vote. Reviewing them before you go to the polls can help you decide who to vote for.
• Write-in candidates for federal and state electionsYou may decide to write in the name of a candidate who is not listed on your ballot. Learn where to get information on how to write in votes and if they count.

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